It was listed by a realtor that I previously purchased a small portfolio from and therefore had a good professional relationship.

Additionally, consider operational costs like cleaning, staffing, and marketing, as they can quickly add up.For management, outsourcing to a professional property manager or leveraging tech platforms for bookings and operations could streamline things, especially if you plan to scale.

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

.- I prioritize building strong, professional relationships with my buyers by taking the time to understand their needs and goals.

You need a skillset that you can manage tenant's expectations and enforce the lease with a professional but firm manner.

If it's managed well by a professional, you are more likely to succeed, grow an appreciation for it, and maybe take over management some day. 

He is a realtor that I previously purchased a small portfolio from and therefore had a good professional relationship.

But when you get those numbers dialed in untill before closing, you sleep a lot better.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I went through it anyway bc she had a good footprint online, I liked the designs, and a couple of ppl at another STR group recommended her (not an excuse, I was super busy and thought I was dealing with a professional).