(to actually take advantage of the economy of scale) I am not sure even that is a rare gem.

We actually do a real estate investor meetup on the first Saturday of the month in Kihei at South Maui Gardens.

Actually it's almost never obvious. 

I financed the properties so I actually paid a fraction of that amount upfront.

Beyond the actual dollars. 

Again, I am sorry that your expecations were not met as I will always try to be honest, straightforward and respectful to all of our guests".It is a shame that one reviewer can hold so much sway, but sometimes the host's response (if done well) to a negative review can actually draw me to a property, rather than dissuade me from booking.

I just want to hear some insight from people who’ve actually done it.

I would suggest picking someone with the most forum posts or the most/best reviews that way you know they are actually active!

There are a few different avenues that my clients have been exploring, including getting unpermitted units actually permitted.

The program is neither good nor bad, there's just different pros & cons compared to cash paying tenants.Have offered to schedule a call with you numerous times to try and assist you, but you seem to prefer posting & posting & posting - which will take so much longer:(What are the chances you'll actually invest someday, given how long it's taking you to do basic research?