Call centers, direct internet writers, and captive agents do not have the same capabilities or service level of a good IA.

Develop your scope of work, learn to estimate the costs (the internet is a wealth of info) after doing your homework....the approach your contractors.

I have some savy ways of finding leads - all self generated off market and through the internet/ data basses.

Maybe he should invest in a cellphone or an iPad with internet service. 

He only pays $325/month.For people interested in the numbers:Purchase Price: $250,000Rents when fully occupied are $5,500/month (most units rent for $175/week) My monthly expenses are roughly $2000/month (working on lowering this buy buying the Water softener isnt of rent, switching the internet/cable company, and adding insulation in roof to lower my utility bills)The best way to get started is to just get started, I dont have all the answers but it seemed like a good deal and a great learning experience! 

This is what I did for a cabin I built in Gatlinburg:  We took a few royalty-free photos of the area off of the internet, and submitted them to an art site online whereby they make a painting of the photo.  

I don't have the answer to that question on CRMs so I'm only guessing you lose all of your work if you lose the CRM.I personally use a database that doesn't need the internet, I back up all of my data, I can load the backup on a new laptop if need be and have my years of data. 

Internet? 

I've gone to several of the city meetings and while the STR owners show a strong presence in the end I don't think they win.What I see in Dallas STR to me for the most part does not make sense....getting $50 a night on a one bedroom condo, so max occupancy is about $1500/month in rent on STR when you pay the HOA dues, fees to VRBO or AirBnB, all utilities, internet and capital for furnishings does not make sense to me when LTR might get $1200-$1250. 

And you won't be having to pay for internet, water, electricity, yard maintenance  etc.