My chat messages to them are still unread (1.5 weeks after posting).I am about halfway finished with onboarding at HostAway and have had several hiccups, but I think it will work out in the end; their customer support seems to be on top of it.

I haven't even officially automated my messages (I use saved drafts and slightly customize each one) and it still only takes me a couple of minutes per booking unless there are random questions. 30 minutes is probably only the case if there's a maintenance issue during the booking. 

After deciding that real estate (specifically residential multi-family rentals for cash flow purposes) was the niche I wanted to focus on, I started volunteering after my day job at a real estate private equity start up here in Austin. 

If I hire a contractor - I want to see past work and talk to past customers and see ongoing job sites.  

This is the future of private placements.

You're mowing lawns on the side, have you thought about private football or soccer coaching?

This particular company also covers the seller from the day they buy the plan to closing, then covers the buyer for 13 months.FULL DISCLOSURE: I have no relationship with Home Warranty of America, except having been a customer and referring others to them. 

Are you purchase from a private party or through an agent?

If you can partner with someone that has a contractors license, you may be able to obtain private money or sell the opportunty for a share of the profit or for a flat fee in escrow. 

In addition to the above uncertainties, I have private lenders who are interested in loaning my money for a decent rate.