So I would suggest keeping your STR property geographically close and doing as much as possible to keep your profit% high as possible.As far as the actual house you use, I would just say - be honest, be fair and strive for the best area, most amenities, cleanest house, best communication, and any other extras you can get.

I’ve also learned the hard way that good communication with your team and third parties is just as important as organization.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable, quality cleaning company with great communication?

Hours spent watching podcasts and communicating on BP do not count.

Do you want cheap, regardless of speed and communication? 

However, we are taking over from a PM to self-manage and are inheriting the current setup.Our biggest concern is that this first communication from the tenant was a sob story asking for $500 back/off rent.

Here is how we usually handle situations like this: if a tenant communicates with us, we usually try to work something out with the tenant. 

@Sonja RevellsThey usually communicate to the seller there are liens and their proceeds would be less because of the payoffs.

Should i speak with the alleged loud tenant or send communication out to all as a reminder?

Quote from @John Busch: Truly appreciate the multiple responses and look forward to continuing our communication as we live in Southern CA and do not have many contacts in that part of the county.