Some people seek independence from needing a 9-5 job so their objective it to earn enough from owning, controling or managing real estate assets  to both pay all of their bills and even beyond that earn enough spendable dollars that they can use an in income on top of everything all the while building up assets which in the end they will own outright and have all the money that can come for the value of their assets in the long haul. 

I am just completely caught off guard by this situation being our first deal with tenants and seeking advice.  

Conventional methods haven't worked and so I brought in a professional. 

I'll leave that to you and your tax professional...

Like I said, it's our side hustle (we both have full time professional jobs and a houseful of kids), but we do the management ourselves. 

You may need to have the air vents professionally cleaned.

Do you suggest it or advise keeping to the professional websites?

Get the professionals in sooner than later.

I would go see him once a month for at least 5 yrs and seek advice.

I would like some assistance from a professional, or someone who knows what they are doing to help guide me in making sure the unit flows nicely for a vacation unit.Would need help picking paint color, furniture, linens, etc...Please call or email to discuss further.