I probably agree with your notion about 10-12% management costs.

Now these are a mix of my preconceived notions along with anecdotes from speaking to realtors I know personally, and I’m sure there are realtors out there who may be able to shed more light on the situation or tell me different and I am definitely open to that.

This whole notion that because someone sells something it must mean they were no good at actually doing it is crazy.

You have 200k, you are simply not sure of the asset but I am guessing you have notions of investment horizon and return and any other limiting criteria.

Most should get away from the guru notions of protecting imaginary assets.

But the value proposition of a 2 year degree ought be based PURELY on what you will actually learn, not based on the notion that anyone will be impressed by a 2 year degree.

@Scott Jackelen That is truly a concern with the notion of investing in STR's because the cashflow component could be killed due to politics. 

The ability to invest anywhere in the country is quite the powerful notion

We used to have a supplus in supply and falling rates - so the general notion was to wait a little bit longer and get an even better deal (or a better looking one, because everything is blossoming). 

Actually, I've found helping someone without pre-conceived notions, makes the whole  process almost pleasant.