It is a little more hands on regarding the communication and booking requests, but I find it much easier, and simple.

If so, how was the process (fees, timelines, restrictions, underwriting, communication, etc.)?

Or give them eviction notice.What is nicest way to communicate with them? 

Other direction, actually, I'd rather over-pay (& I do in fact overpay, relative to market) and know that I'm getting a stellar high level of service, communication, speed, smoothness, etc. 

Communication is fantastic.

Communicate with the contractor that you feel comfortable with and make sure he has the right of first refusal when it comes to performing services.

This taught me to communicate expectations up front and not sit back and let things surprise you.

@Jarod Dudley I ordered another appraisal because the lender insisted on ordering a new one even though I was in communication with them during this time.

If investors (whether they themselves are licensed or not) are able to buy a property quickly, easily, and cheaper (than the MLS price) through us, rather than communicating with multiple parties on submitting offers and waiting on those offers to be reviewed/accepted then potentially renegotiating and starting the process all over again, then I see no reason why we should be looked down upon for doing so.

You have your policies, make sure you communicate them to the tenants and then stick to them.