A few examples that have been surfacing regularly across many states- Crazy late night parties from STR tenants... the landlord is liable and can be fined or worse, depending on the location and severity.

If you don't like the contractors your getting than I would suggest becoming more active on Biggerpockets and connecting with @Darren Sager and others doing regular BP Meetups in your area.

He also asks me to send the check in mail and then he will send the lien waiver in mail after the amount is cleared in the bank. what is the regular practice to get lien waivers from the GC's? 

He had a regular full-time day job with medical insurance.

Some were routinely making less than 50 dials (not connects) per week.I cleaned house and started over.That said, there are other expenses. 

We record these regularly and have protected more than one property.

Also check to see if fees have been more or less regularly increased over the past 10 years, or if they have been essentially unchanged.

By time you figure in the added expenses of mid term rental and potential vacancy/turnover a regular rental at slightly lower rate could also work out the same. 

I live near Boulder, CO and people there routinely offer appliances for sale on Craigslist because they want all new ones that "match".

Account Closed points out, many folks are holding onto their regular W2 jobs.