So you start from scratch on the loan, but there are no real estate agents involved on a refi, so you have no commissions to pay them.  

However one thing I didn't anticipate was, while the aged sewer line could easily hand two people living in the property, when my tenants moved in and when the load on the sewer system went to five people, it couldn't keep up.Turns out the line had been damaged over time (orangeburg pipe) and was too narrow, so I had to pay to get it replaced. 

In my view the amount you pay for this course is nothing when you compare with knowledge you gain and actions you take. 

Sorry but the LL royally screwed up and now is paying the piper for being a completely absent LL.

If you are just dealing with a sales and marketing company then you won't have the accountability and you will be paying additional unnecessary markup.

If you not tied to a specific location, the Midwest would also be a great place for STR without paying California house prices. 

My mentality is that if I get one actionable item, it pays for the course. 

One must register the vacation rental unit, pay applicable fees, submit a current license as a Transient Public Lodging Establishment (“TPLE”), and provide other required information.

Make sure you pay attention to the comps to see how you need to rehab your properties. 

When will they pay you and provide reports?