So yes, it's about knowing your business and being very specialized. 

He also told me he is too busy to talk to me on the phone.  

Usually most franchise models in other business environments have the whole package.

The other is a smaller operation which does a lot of business in the specific neighborhood the house is in.  

Holding company typically if you have multiple companies like a property manager, own property and other businesses. you will end up spending more per year on accounting and state stuff than what you make on your rentals. 

How's business going for you?

Most importantly, they are disrespectful and bad business people.

If your state is an expensive one it might be cost prohibitive to have an LLC for a small rental business.

My business partner is able to issue IUL.

But it is my opinion you should try Airbnb, VRBO, booking.com and FlipKey and give it a chance to see if it is adding business.