Also, don't forget if you are giving them any other benefits like health care or vacation or sick pay, or 401k that will cost you more. 

In my opinion, the Founder’s Letter written by Jonathan expressed values of: (1) Open Communication, (2) Actively Engaged Management, (3) Care for Each ClientAlthough RDU was stellar in getting me off the ground in my first real estate venture, about halfway into our relationship, I noticed that action on core values expressed in the Founder’s Letter began to wane.Most recent, after Hurricane Florence, I received a text message from Jonathan saying, “Your properties faired well during the storm”.

Glad we paid the $275 and are now aware of any and all issues and can be strategic / selective on what to address. 

If you don't tell him all the reasons you got a screaming deal, then he must assume it was an arms length open market transaction, which in turn will mean the other home appraises low, which may mean it sells for less, which in turn means one of YOUR comps sold for less, which could impact market value of your home should you go to sell or refinance it.I would be selective about what I would share, and I wouldn't lie, but I'd only share information that will, or could, lead to my property selling or appraising for more. 

I could care less for your "sympathy."

I have no information on your area and what rents go for, but I would be careful on being overly optimistic on rent, make sure to back up your numbers with research on Zillow, craigslist, rentometer, etc.

Just be careful and read up on using these machines before you use it.

We have been taking care of vacation rentals for other property managers for 7 years.

Our strategy is to buy and hold, benefit from the positive monthly cash flows, and sell after about 5 years of stress free property management.The issue I am having is selecting finishes that are reasonably affordable (dare I say cheap), durable for renters, and still get top $ on an appraisal when we go to refinance. 

Our strategy is to buy and hold, benefit from the positive monthly cash flows, and sell after about 5 years of stress free property management.The issue I am having is selecting finishes that are reasonably affordable (dare I say cheap), durable for renters, and still get top $ on an appraisal when we go to refinance.