As a matter of fact there are more and more hosts who don't even own the property. 2) Running a STR is a JOB requiring time AND skills such as : Tech savvy, Project Management, Multi-tasking, customer facing similar to retail, etc...

@Justin Westmoreland - there are lots of resources you can use to find phone numbers of property owners including Whitepages, That's Them, Pipl and a whole host of other tools and resources.

For us, it is important that each of us has access to the documents and be able to make changes to existing documents, quick books, and up load new documents.Do any of you have good examples or past experience with online or cloud host locations. 

They host blogs on their servers.  

I've also met several people here I've been able to do deals with and co-host networking events so definitely stay plugged in.

You should attend BiggerPockets meetups hosted by @Darren Sager, than you can meet new investors like yourself and the pros like @Andrew Syrios.

@Josh Pitts I'm hosting a networking event for investors on July 28th from 4-7pm at The Americano in Mt Pleasant.

I am looking to host my own bigger pocket meeting this year you are welcome to join!

I think a meetup for locals would be great that is mostly networking among investors rather than the hosts trying to make money off of the meeting like the Tallahassee Investors Network.

Today, I either use vrbo/airbnb (who in case of conflict, if you are a long time host with great reviews facing a bad guest, vrbo/airbnb cover you 100%) which is great, or I do direct, (only for longer term guests), get them sign a detailed agreement, and accept only cashier checks (delay, etc..).Today, we never hear about a credit card dispute or fraud etc... because HA/airbnb handle it, and even if they don't collect their money (rare but very possible , such as same day bookings), we are paid and safe.