I have also found that since I am in such a competitive market (central Florida) that the rate is low enough on the 4-bedroom that I often get couples who could stay in something much smaller but find our house worth the slightly higher cost.

The good agents will stay in the space and continue to win the business of people that understand the value they provide.

How frequent are the updates?

You are not too familiar with the area, so if your short-term stay is near an airport you have less travel time and can spend less on taxis.

I gave property management over 2 months notice before I moved out and they said that they would try to re-rent my unit, but until then, I would still be responsible for my rent per my original lease agreement.After a month without any contact or updates, I just got an email from property management asking that I return my keys despite the fact that my lease is still active until 8/31/18 and I'll be paying rent until 8/31/18.

Should we stay away from group homes? 

(No desire to stay).  

the terms of the leases in place will dictate what you can and can't do.Chances are there is only 1 water meter, and splitting it 3 ways is usually the beginning of tenant-tenant conflicts.You could probably give somebody a rent credit to take care of the lawn, but if the lawn is generally used as a common area for all tenants, the landlord usually covers that cost.You could always change lease terms when the leases expire - but as a rule, the leases stay with the tenants who are in the property even when a property is sold.

I'd like to stay as close to a big City as possible. 

What is the best way to find a good quality property manager who will not only do a good job screening tenants but also stay on top of the tenants , minimizing problems?