Too many investors make the mistake of trying to treat it like a short-term rental, which is a great way to get yourself into a bind.You can keep more than one security deposit in the same bank account, but it should be held separate from any of your own money.You need two accounts: checking and savings.

That does not mean they write a check to get the "logo" to put on their website and look good (I have seen this a lot in my area sadly). 

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

The former group will bleed you dry, and the latter group is only good if the property is in good shape when you take it on and keep it that way. 

I plan to just keep building up the account slowly while focusing the majority of my savings on 401k, HSA, and hopefully at least one larger syndication deal each year.

The old adage is that you "marry the property, but date the rate" meaning that you can refinance down the road to lower the rate if the opportunity arises.

You should have started eviction process IMMEDIATELY to keep pressure on the tenant to get help or move.

You listen to the host ramble on, generically answering questions, continue to tell everyone it is a numbers hame and to keep pounding the pavement OR they'll start talking about their successes.

Brad,Norada is an affiliate marketing company meaning they are partnering with turnkey providers in the markets they advertise so the figures should be based on what the TK provider gave them. 

But that doesn't mean he has to be expensive for no reason as well.