However, forgive my curiosity - I'm really just trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible.

If you’re referring to the “newbies” with $10k to their name that watch a video by Pace and get excited and pay for joining, go out with their last $5k and do a sub to with a “desperate” homeowner without revealing all the possible consequences (because they are unaware of the consequences through lack of experience and lack of knowledge and or choose not to inform the seller) then I agree, it’s probably going to turn out badly for all concerned.If on the other hand you’re referring to a seasoned investor with excellent credit, significant cash reserves, who wants to add a property to their portfolio without going through loan qualifying, and can pay enough to give the seller “walking away” money because of the low existing interest rates and or, and is dealing with a informed seller, then I find nothing wrong or negative about the transaction.  

Knowledge and use of this information should help you to make a more realistic cost estimates for your models. 

(DBA Carolina Choice Mortgage)Allied Servicing CompanyAHP ServicingAugust REIMoat Note ServicingPrime Loan Servicing

However, short term rentals are much less passive than long term rentals and are essentially a hospitality business, which is in and of itself required a whole additional layer of knowledge and expertise.With regard to your question about private lenders, it’s important to draw a distinction in terminology between “private” and “hard money.”

Looked into it a bit, and did a Zoom call with an Advisor of the company, but would like to know if anyone has first-hand knowledge. 

.- Tenant submitted a work order for low water pressure in 2 bathrooms- Tenant submitted a work order because the garage door doesn't close all the way and left a 2-3 inch gap at the bottom- Owner initially refused to address either work order- Owner demanding the tenants place furniture pads on each piece of furniture- Owner calling multiple times to speak through the work orders, asking when they've been scheduled, calling a couple days later requesting the invoices- Owner calling because they want to access their storage in the basement so they can remove several pieces of furniture being stored- Owner now emailing requesting multiple property inspections throughout the lease cycle- Owner questioning my experience and relative PM knowledge because I'm not following up with her in a timely manner (the following day after the work order)Keep in mind, this is 2 weeks after the tenants had moved in and the tenants are very happy in the home.This is something we see on a regular basis.

Unless you're a very seasoned investors, the value in committing to the right agent should be in their vast local market knowledge, expertise of their lane, transactional experience and so on.

He is knowledgeable but he has no control over the GP.

Attitude and professionalism are paramount; product knowledge next, and then there's your contact/follow-up systems.Put that together, price-test against the market, and you'll have a sustainable, constantly expanding, and very profitable venture.Good luck!