As you are not physically there you want as many eyes on the property as possible before you take the steps to begin marketing. 

As Brandon said, the physical vacancy risk for a nice rental is quite low.

Such services should include: - Creating enticing market listings and ads promoting the property at its best for high demand - Rental market expertise to provide recommended rent amounts for your property's market without recommending an inflated rent amount scaring away potential tenants or recommending a deflated rent amount causing less of a return monthly- Physically showing the home to potential tenants- Collecting/depositing monthly rents and bill paying- Vetting/screening applying tenants or managing non-paying/troublemaking tenants- Resolving maintenance repairs by hiring professionals to care for your investment - Turning your investment property move-outs quickly for new tenant placementLook for all of the above listed services and more when researching property management companies to receive the most return on investment!

So many don't realize this loan product can be used to buy an STR, multiple STR properties. 

At that time, I had 7 or 8 properties, and was still working as a Physical Therapist.

It's more time consuming, but more productive as well. 

Like all businesses, their job is to sell their product and mitigate as much of their risk as possible when doing so.

@Russell BrazilDo you really think it is extreme to not want companies collaborating to decide what services/products/opportunities you will eligible for based on your political or personal preferences?  

What are some of the Do's and Don'ts from those that have done such remodeling and any product recommendations that's on reasonable budget and can last for long time? 

@Darcy Currie, I'd second @Julie Toh's comments... most financial planners get paid on commission by selling products (mutual funds, insurance) to people that don't want the 'hassle' of learning what to do with their money.