I believe Muskegon through Montague are up and coming vacation areas that have been passed over for a long time.

There is a ton of free information and you could probably make it just fine without spending anything on education. 

Can second home be operated by a management firm that has control over occupancy?

Since it is remote, I can alter if there's a good reason to do so - over the winter I had to unlock the bottom end because the guests were too hot at 72 degrees (they were running the heat) and the thermostat doesn't have different set points for heat and AC.

Expensive GC who I have confidence in but I'd rather not spend the extra $ unless it's highly advisable.2.

I can't say the floodgates have opened, but there's enough deal flow to call it a business, and I believe with consistency it will grow over time. 

They transact quietly.3) Similar to above, I know of a few people that have been asked directly by their lender if they have interest in taking over a nearby property for just the loan amount.

There's ways to negotiate earn outs, build in soft costs etc. to help recoup the majority of your capital without the need to spend the time or expense on a refinance.

Our bill went from around $180 per billing cycle to over $400 per billing cycle.First, check the sidewalk pipe as you suggested.

There is a point, they just don’t bother underwriting before sending it over to you