. $240 on Amazon, but you only have to buy it once.We've tried the Nest in two of our properties - the proprietary nature of their interface made them difficult to integrate with our management & monitoring system.That said, there are other thermostats which provide a minimum and maximum temperature (regardless of what the occupant chooses) at a fraction of the price (Honeywell, Braeburn and {I think} Sinopé provide models with this feature).   

There may be several factors that have created this including current conditions, building or zoning codes or HVAC or MEP systems integration just to name a few.

Start by contacting the professional pest control association in your state for tips on selecting those of greatest integrity and skill.

The increased margin is their reward for vertically integrating in the industry.

@Dan Mackin Actually I think fire safety is integral to your plans for a rooming house.

It has been really awesome because everything is automated and it integrates with things like Google Drive and dropbox.  

They are a public nuisance bending the rules to broker real estate without a license, having no integrity, operating without insurance, or oversight.

@Timothy Doyle I own a Custom electronics installation and integration company #Teatrograde.

They need to compliment your skills and attributes, have integrity, share your goals and motivation, and in your case, be willing to risk their money for the investment. 

But, you folks on this board have been no less than integral in helping slingshot my business this year.