Thank you so much for all your inputs!

Oh nice! 

If you are certain they are throwing it, see if the gas station will put a garbage in that spot so people have an option.Clean up the trash every week.

So, size, location and theming to answer your question.

I can say that self-managing a STR from afar is beyond me (no experience as a property manager) so that would eat into cash flow. 

I've been using it for a while now and it has so many great features, many of which you are touching on with your questions. 

Welcome to Bigger Pockets, Out of state (OOS) investing would be a wise decision, with Californias market is so highly appreciated.

So is the idea have the total rent be the rent plus prior years usage (one statement that says $755), or give them a statement that says $700 rent + $55 heat hot water?  

It sounds weird, but you have to be careful how much you advertise so that you don't get a reputation for being "out of money", while at the same time networking with wealthy individuals/family offices/private equity.It's a little different if your approach is going to be only loaning your own capital.

I have been investing in Columbus, Ohio