I guess my challenge right now is to define the strategy and balance all the factors, such as job and population growth (value increase), cashflow (demand & supply market, interest rate, property tax, maintenance cost), and risk control (insurance etc). 

I'm not stating that it's inherently wrong, but aspects of it have gotten out of control.

Rent is "paid" when they initiate transfer not when it hits my account because they have no control over the lag time.

We like to stay in control all through the process..

Relying on someone who has their 'own team' to run your rental business is a severe lack of internal controls in my opinion.

yes, on paper it makes sense to run by the room because you can technically maximize your rental income but you have to consider the following things:- who has control of the thermostat?

Managing the operation myself could save money and provide better control compared to working with out-of-state properties.

I am worried about having an intermediary taking control of my property and renting to tenants I haven't screened.

I recommend you find a way to give these animals away before you lose control and end up on a reality TV show.

But the one thing that you can control is your creativity and how far are you willing to go with risk .