In my area property managers usually receive 1 month rent for signing a new tenant and an ongoing 10% commission for each month the unit is rented.What do you think is fair for splitting this with the firm?

Any slick new solutions to troubleshoot tech issues with residents (usually tv or internet questions)?

Usually those kind of numbers are in really tough neighborhoods. 

There were homes with awkward floorplans and you could easily add an extra 1-2 bedrooms within the existing floor plans.

Here in Denver and Colorado Springs where our medium-term rentals are, an extra bathroom on a 2/1 would likely get you an extra $300, maybe $400, in the midterm rental market.

As a result the contract outlining the agreement is (1) full off contingencies allowing buyers numerous opportunity to “back out” of an agreed to transaction and (2) supported by a relatively small (sometimes VERY small) amount of “earnest money” which is usually refundable given the contract contingencies previously alluded to.The result is (1) a large number of contracts “falling out” prior to closing, (2) a relatively long “due diligence” period of time between initial contact agreement and closing, (3) renegotiation (or attempted renegotiation) of price and terms by the buyer And, or (4) utilization of the contract as an “option” by some “buyers” who have no intention to complete the purchase UNLESS they are able to find someone to pay a higher price.Interestingly, in some countries, such as Argentina, for example, due diligence is performed BEFORE a contract is negotiated.  40% - 50% of the purchase price is due at signing of the initial contract (what we refer to as earnest money); it’s only refundable IF the seller is unable to deliver clear title, and closings happen as quickly as the buyer can come up with the additional funds.  

Cash flow usually doesn't go away *assuming you can manage well*.

Usually not worth the legal costs.

I forgot what I had saved the extra money aside for and was thinking that I had to do *everything* on my own. 

There is usually more cash flow in lower priced markets and less appreciation.