Thanks for the info on the two management companies, I'll definitely look them up. 

I am trying to do some due diligence in searching out those mortgage companies that don't care about credit but keep running into brick walls.

First, it's important to share the reasons behind our preference for the lease to expire in the summer months:Mitigating Risk of Winter Vacancy: One of our primary concerns is to mitigate the risk of vacancy during the winter season.

I would recommend googling some companies around you that do countertops and visit them.

As an owner, what are the top considerations or issues you face when deciding to bring on a property management company to help manage your units?

We do allow a well-trained dog, preferably large, no puppies and no breeds not covered by our insurance (vet records showing breed, age, proof of current vaccination and any required pet license).

That includes real estate agent, title preferably owned by attorney, seasoned STR property manager etc. 

I spent 2022/2023 purchasing single family homes in my preferred investment corridor within 43612/43613 zipcodes. $80k will net you $1200/mo.That said I am of the opinion that rent rates (up significantly since Covid) are plateauing, I don't expect to see them climb significantly higher.Regardless, factor my position of being a cash-in-hand personality who doesn't much care if the hype is telling us to buy-buy-buy or run for the hills.

I was curious as to what management companies do when their clients live in another state. 

I had to deal with my insurance company to get one month of rent reimbursed for the first tenant that ultimately had to be evicted.2.