The crew car was a bit aggravating as people routinely disrespected the rules and drove like maniacs.

If it's strictly a STR market, you can see how prices fair to see if the market is feeling the heat.This is what Avery Carl preaches and this is her strategy.

You can also get discounts on these because they are sold strictly "as is" and the banks want them off their books. 

A few important things I would be looking for:1) the experience and credentials of the broker who supervises the company as well as the lead property manager2) the services they offer and how they line up with your needs and expectations3) the use of technology to make their job and yours easier 4) if they have a landlord-tenant attorney on retainer to help guide them on legal issues (not to mention the creation of lease agreement, landlord forms and notices, etc.)5) their process and policy for a) listing, b) application, c) tenant selection, d) routine inspections, e) maintenance services, f) property and tenancy update reports to you, g) lease enforcement policy, and f) move-out process.6) property owner reviews (you can't always rely on Google reviews, because they may not reflect actual quality of the company, but still) 7) beneficial programs for both owner and tenant 8) a property management agreement that would indicate they know what they're doing and have the experience to know what matters in a PMA.

Even if we did tear down and rebuild, im afraid it would put us under water or at a break even point if we are super strict with the build budget- plus adding to that, I don't know how the rehab lender would even look at this now if we do have to tear down.

Grant and I have helped a lot of local investors get started in the willamette valley with house hacking multifamily or buying live-in flips, or just strictly investment properties to add to their existing portfolio. 

Yet, FHA loans have strict rules—they must be for a single-family house or an approved condo.

I charge 10% of the monthly rent, and if I have to go to the property in person for a routine inspection or to oversee a large job or high ticket estimate, Its $25/hr + $0.50/mile driven.Hiring a professional manager is ideal if you dont have the patience, mental space, or availability to receieve random spur of the moment repair and emergency requests.

Seemed to be very strict laws in some areas & possibly more laws coming in other areas.

I wanted to start by house hacking but (1) I am not allowed due to strict HOA rules and (2) my city isn't as desired as the next city over.