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Readers are advised to seek professional advice.

Since you mentioned owning STR's, you might want to have a conversation with an accountant to see if these properties would be considered active instead of active, especially since it sounds like you are self-managing the properties.This test is a little bit easier than trying to claim Real Estate Professional Status(REPS)

I’m excited to join the BiggerPockets community and connect with passionate real estate professionals.

Home prices are very high and, as a young professional out of college, the down payment is a major challenge for me.

Commissions were ultimately paid, but only after continued follow-up that should not be necessary in a professional brokerage relationship.Lack of clarity regarding dues:In June, the brokerage requested a payment of $400+ for “HAR/TAR/NAR dues.”

Being intentional with design — putting money to the side to pay a professional designer, buy furniture and accessories — can be all the difference in a 5 star listing or a 2 star listing.

I am also wondering about carpet replacement...hoping to also last 6-8 with professional carpet cleaning after each tenant.  

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

Your challenge will be deciding between:Small CrewPros: Cheaper, usually one point of contact, flexibleCons: Hard to find, less professional, they may not always admit they don't know how to do something, price changes are vague, often surprisesLarger CompanyPros: Professional bids, processes, etc.Cons: More expensive, less flexible, may need to speak with multiple people