We are a smaller local PM company so if there is anything I can help with, drop me a pm or call. 

My company uses Appfolio but I think they have a 50 or 100 unit minimum.

I'd also throw in our flooring company who we're a big fan of: Evergreen Flooring in Overland Park.

But insurance companies have one goal in mind...accept policy premiums and pay out as little and as infrequently as possible.

Hey Mark, Our property management company uses it and it has been a great tool to increase efficiency for showing properties.

I am a homeowner who purchased my first home two years ago trusting a real estate agent (assigned by the mortgage company) who did not seem to have my family's best interest in mind.

Even if you were an employee of the company a savvy SEC attorney will tell you that you need to be paid a salary and not commission based.The promote point has been addressed so I will not add to that.

As a side note, I know there can be some issues with a landlord "acting as a utility company".

I have called around in my area and it seems like Property Management companies charge 10% of the gross Rent. 

As for fees, your typical STR management company down here will be in the 15-20% range plus your regular costs to run a STR (consumables, towels, maintenance, etc.).