A short term rental cannot compete with these resorts since they don't have what people want: the amenities and unlimited food and drink to do.The short-term rental customers oftentimes hate Punta Cana (all those I've met at least) want a different experience.

Has anyone hired a photographer to take pictures of your rental?

You'll have to do signing electronically pretty much.If you're able to get boots on the ground, to go out and take pictures for you that'll be great.

Make sure they have been in business for 5 years or more, check with current and past customers and make sure to check some of their current job sites.

My price range is middle of the road for my area...nice starter homes but not high end customs (most around 160k range...3/2's).

You have to do exactly what it says or you are in violation of the agreement and you open yourself up to bad customer relations at best, a lawsuit at worst. 

One day, when he stopped on the street to get his shoes shined, the shiner, not knowing who his customer was, related a "hot stock" tip.The next day, JP Morgan started selling off large parts of his massive stock holdings. 

I don’t need them to help me run the RI business but I do need them to factor it in properly to my overall financial picture and retirement planning.

Proforma paints you a nice, smooth picture that never reflects reality. 3% assumption is in line with inflation, so your rent will grow as long as there is inflation and (very important) that inflation translates into wage growth for your tenants.

You are still seeing the small picture.