I enjoyed reading it and seeing that you have used several vendors that we are also working with and recommend. 

Each month’s meeting includes (subject to change):6:00 – 6:30 – REIA Business/Vendor/Benefit Introductions6:30 – 6:45 – The “Test Your Knowledge” or “Deal or No Deal”6:45 – 7:00 – Market & Legislative Updates Updates7:00 – 7:30 – Structured Networking Session7:30 – 7:45 – Giveaways & Door Prizes7:45 – 9:15 – Education Topic / Main Speaker Session9:15 - 10:00 – Late Nite NetworkingEDUCATION TOPICReal Estate Investors and Excel…Supercharge your AnalysisDiscover the BasicsStarting with the basics, you’ll learn how to turn Excel into your most powerful productivity tool.

I've only got two units so far, and I'd love to hear from you all about what's worked/not worked for your business, whether it's PM software, ways to pay vendors, keeping track of expenses, handling the accounting, etc. 

You can identify the critical vendors that the tenants can call direct.

I get an email alert each time a deposit is made.I prefer not to use any third-party vendors (Zelle, etc.) because firstly, that creates another link in the chain that can break down between the tenant's deposit and my bank account. 

Kim here at MAREI - and coming to a MAREI meeting is a great place to collect with area vendors in Kansas City - the owner of Fountain city is was a local investor who came to town, built a local business and his portfolio. 

Date is the date of the payment or expenseAmount is the dollar amount  Source is who the payment came from (tenants name) or who the payment went to (vendors name)Purpose is the nature of the income (example July Rent) or the description of the expense (example July Electric bill)Type is the category, so for rent it would be income and for other things we use tax categories (advertising, supplies, repairs, etc.)Property field is the address of the propertyWe also keep copies of all receipts and give that to our accountant along with a copy of the spreadsheet.

What vendor services are essential for running successful STR?

Thanks for posting the vendor recommendation. 

Inspecting work, buying lack of supplies, calling vendors, painting (interior and exterior), floors, counter tops and landscaping hours add up.