It's never worth it to cut corners on permitting because it will cost you far more in the long run.

As my portfolio grew, I became laser-focused on the work in front of me.My wife and I own Cozy Co-Host LLC, a short-term rental management company based in Atlantic City, NJ.

@Jason Stofer if you don't have a support structure to tap into... the unhappy answer is that there is no short cut. 

As my portfolio grew, I became laser-focused on the work in front of me.My wife and I own Cozy Co-Host LLC, a short-term rental management company based in Atlantic City, NJ.

Microsoft Excel, and most budget or free online bookkeeping isn't going to cut it in this situation.For the rental properties you own directly, I often tell clients and prospects that a P&L in Microsoft Excel is just fine and a balance sheet is not necessary for tax purposes. 

Then, run a rental stress test on the new STR assuming a worst-case scenario—like converting it to a long-term rental with a 30% cut in future rents.

So I'd be doing my best to get the highest possible rent/revenue but without needing or counting on that.What you refer as cut-throat competition exists in every market where you have demand.

The agent will have access to the biggest platform to get the property sold though, the MLS, so forgoing even a cut rate agent will create more of a loss than the agent fees themselves. 

Upper levels with slanted roof lines cut into living space which is very outdated and much of it becomes deadspace. 

Anyway you cut it they will all want a washer/dryer.