This is all based on my research and what I think would be most viable to me as of now, I would even love to meet REI's and potential partners for the near future (wholesaling or not I plan on being financially free no matter my path and acquiring properties) I have graphic design and video editing experience, would love to trade work to any REI's in the Asheville area in exchange for knowledge and help.

On the podcast Brandon and David always talk about what you can offer to trade for mentorship/knowledge.

Anyway the deposit was coming in but slowly and ultimately the client made the decision to move to another property manager.What else can you do but thank the client, close their books professionally, hand over leases and keys, and leave the door open should they ever need your services in the future. 

If it was off season, they'd give them a fair discount off the nightly while still being much higher than a long term (12 mo) tenant.However, if it is important for the home to be in The Villages very near your parents, then that should be an important detail in the decision as well. 

Surely if I'm saving by going private there must be some sort of trade off, no?

Tenants generally take bad news or unfavorable decisions better when it's through an intermediary. 

Some might be your tenants one day.Learn a trade.  

Also, talking with my flipper borrowers the cost of materials has gone up significantly because of the trade war.

Large, publicly traded banks are just out. 

There will be more time for riskier ventures down the road.Price PointYour budget will dictate a lot of your decisions in the process.