Free ACH rent collection on apartments.com and Rentmanager for the accounting elements.

Do you collect security deposit, sign a rental agreement, background check, etc?

Are there tools (i.e RentRedi) that you recommend using for LTR tenant screening, rent collection, background checks, etc?

With those kinds of rents ($5,800 between the 2), even with a 9% cap rate, in my opinion those properties should collectively appraise for nearly $500k.

Hi does anyone have experience with providing direct STR stays (so not through Airbnb or VRBO) and charging, collecting, and remitting the local Chicago hotel tax?

We let them invest in these homes with us by allowing them to buy a % when they collect/earn enough money.

Options - collect full payment for the 3 months up front and lower the deposit to secure against damages only, require insurance.

That is part of the problem with a lot of companies (I am not knocking insula as dont have all the info/facts just stating how the business works), they engage brokers to get them loans and the brokers collect a small fee. unfortunately many of the brokers may be similar to real estate wholesalers - have little to no experience. 

I've heard that renting by the room can be a great way to boost profits, since you'll end up collecting more in total rent than with a traditional lease.

Collection agencies cannot report to credit bureau if the  landlord is a private landlord.