I have a tenant in Los Angeles in a rent controlled unit which was initially rented to a husband and wife.

With the market, everything is a little bit out of control.

And, if the grass dies from something outside of your control (disease, drought, etc), do you really want to have your security deposit taken to replace the lawn? 

Sometimes I'll get an attorney and they want a contract so I put together a one page document with the relevant facts and they are happy.For everyone else I use email to confirm the details.I still have my STR insurance policy.I also have control of the thermostats and water heater via wifi.

AirBnb needs to look like they're doing some level of quality control, because all hotels have something in place now.

That keeps the entity 100% yours and front end branding in your control.

How do you control your costs?

Personally, I don't like to put my money into something I can't control - yes the stock market has been great, even during COVID, but I would rather put my money into something I can manage (even if not 100% due to moratoriums and zoning risks) versus a stock that I have no control over and is basically a legalized form of gambling. 

Originally posted by @Paul De Luca:Nice work!

My plan is to move out shortly and start generating cash flow but am concerned what heating costs will be like with the renters able to control the thermostat and not being as diligent about keeping windows and doors closed.