They offer invaluable insights into neighborhoods, regulations, tenant demographics, and market conditions—information you can't get from books or podcasts.The good news is that working with an investment team typically comes at no extra cost.

You'll want to have an insurance agent familiar with rentals since a lot of the extras on your coverage that you will want, the average insurance agent won't know to give you. 

It's usually better to earn $200 less a month for one year than to sit vacant for two months, particularly in the winter.Consider a bigger drop for a 6-month lease to get through winter, then increase rent or find a new renter in the spring when competition is hotter.

Increase earnings, reduce expenses, save up, and invest.

If I find the buyer I would charge and extra 1.5%. 

Politely and clearly, make it extra clear that all information will be verified including income prior to the signing of any lease.  

But with the second home the $600 in extra rental income is enough to pay towards an equity loan.

Do you want to earn x thousand a month?

.- Additionally, you can track income and expenses consistently using software or spreadsheets.If you track everything, you could show a loss and use that to offset other earned income (such as a W2) which will net you a bigger refund.

Everyone is trying to maximize earnings in this business.