To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

I think the major branches of STR that owners need to know are -Financing, Market Research (you technically have it already in Cape Coral), Property Selection (what makes good STRs, regulations, analyzing, etc.), Designing and Furnishing (amenities, design, theme, linens, etc), and operating (Insurance, Property management or self-management, Tech & Tools, Cleaners & handy people, etc)All of these could be covered depending on who you work with that can cover each topic. 

Whichever you select must apply to all assets in the estate.But you still get the new basis at time of death, regardless if it is sold within 6 months.

My suggestion would be to select someone with the most forum posts or most reviews.

Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

It’s definitely still possible to make the numbers work with a Cape Cod rental, but you’ll need to be selective.

My suggestion would be to select someone with the most forum posts or most reviews.

But in every deal there are decisions that need to be made on which risk to choose when selecting financing.  

Learn how to to screen and select a quality property manager that won't cheat you or mismanage your property (they do exist).

Put locks on each bedroom door so individual tenants have security of their personal belongings.You need a really good set of rules regarding shared common space, cleaning, kitchen use, bathroom use, etc.Be very clear about the rules up front, and selective about who you put in there.