By working hard to raise the NOI, you can raise your building’s market value and better position your property in the marketplace.If you’re feeling apprehensive about raising your rental rates, I recommend at least taking the time to see what other nearby buildings of similar character are charging for rent.

I banned them from my property for future bookings and I now pay particular attention to guests that book 'last minute' as most families and those over 30 will usually plan their vacations and trips well in advance.  

My reasoning is it simplifies research, allows me to use one manager that hopefully is good (may take some trial and error), and may allow for an occasional checkup trip (these would be fairly rare though).Anyone else buy remotely?

There are multiple communities along there with lots of less expensive multifamily and its within a day's round trip,  which will allow you the ability to keep a much closer eye on your first investment.Good luck!    

It's a smaller, cabin like unit, and I think it would add great character and save a ton on my utility bill. 

Keep working with the agent in person (even if it means having to take several trips out there) until you feel comfortable that you guys are thinking the same. 

The truth is, hiring a company to place robo-calls based on geographical data may result in valid leads, but it shows pretty poor character.

I am in NO way commenting on your character. 

We'd need to make at least two more trips to get it rented - one to put a sign in the yard and one to hold an open house.

As long as you stick with the 3 C's of lending:1. collateral (make sure investors put real skin in the game) and the value of the property (make them provide an appraisal)2. capacity of the borrower to repay3. character of the borrowerI just turned down one of the $500 SUIT NO UNDERWEAR typesThey had about 7 judgements, unpaid property taxes, and two IRS liens.