Making decisions based on bad interpretation or rationalization is how people end up in legal trouble.

When you use a Big bank you avoid having to pay the extra "middleman" fees and points. 

Sounds like any opportunity to cut out the middle man and just self manage the STR. 

I understand they have other clients and cant just drop everything to do what I'm asking but right now it feels like things are taking extra time by having a middle man. 

I am still waiting on Latchel to explain why they seem to be ok with a "Preferred Vendor" middleman (who pays to be assigned work by Latchel as an FYI) materially altering a subcontractor's invoice for repairs at one of my properties. 

So I don't always need or want the middleman. 

The rational for hiring a PM to protect your +$2M property and its income is the same.

Deposits, leases, pro ration of rents.

That is not rational.

I am in the Berkeley this weekend... what you need to realize is that NOTHING that you would think is standard in Livermore ( IE SF BAY AREA) will be standard out in the mid west.. at least as it relates to 90% of what these folks talk about in the way of cash flow rentals.. its apples and oranges.. your in a triple A market not even A.. and when you read on BP about no appliances etc. those are C D some think B  but its not a California B most of the homes and the RENTERS would  be a CA F plane and simple.. no way for you to rationalize what you would have in Livermore and what is standard in the mid west...