At 3% a year (guesstimate) that is $4,800 more the house is worth each year.So the optimal play might be to rent it out for 2 years, make $9,600 in rent, gain $9,600 in market appreciation, then sell it and save the $20,000 in capital gains.  

However, there are pros and cons to this approach:Pros:Streamlined Operations: Property managers can integrate their systems more efficiently, leading to potentially better management and guest experiences.Experience and Optimization: They might have established profiles with good ratings and reviews, which can help attract more bookings.Cons:Loss of Control: If you stop working with the property manager, you could lose access to the listing and the reviews associated with it.Dependency: Your business becomes more reliant on the property manager, which could be problematic if the relationship sours or if their service quality declines.As an experienced STR manager, you're already familiar with many aspects of managing rentals.

With a 605 he is already not able to obtain optimal financing, easy rentals (at least in my market), etc.  

As a specialized real estate CPA, I'm here to provide expert guidance on your most complex tax matters, from navigating 1031 exchanges and cost segregation studies to optimizing your rental property deductions and handling multi-entity structures.

This proactive approach can optimize your tax situation and ensure compliance.Starting with these steps can create a strong, organized system for your real estate investments.

I do have experience in web development, search engine optimization, writing copy, advertising, design, and user experience.With the rough numbers that I have so far, replacing and exceeding her income appears viable - Of course this is with financing, and a trusted friend joining as a partner. 

It always seemed like a not optimal way of creating incentives, loyalty, and good relationships with them in general. 

You likely will not be in a position to get multiple contractors to provide quotes on change orders which is why it will not be optimal pricing, but you need to know the cost.  

There are a few ways to go about optimizing the equity in the property to accomplish your goals.  

It’s been an exhilarating journey, and one aspect I’ve found particularly fascinating is the critical role of property management in optimizing investment returns.