Quote from @Andrew Steffens: STR IMO is great for people- Who want to own a second (or third +) home in a desirable place where they can get personal use out of- Investors expecting modest returns but can invest in better neighborhoods leading to hopefully higher appreciation.- High end luxury/unique property owners with higher than average returns.Otherwise you are likely experiencing similar results to what you mentioned, of course depending on the market. 

At the national level, it's the best of the worst in that industry - a lot left to be desired in the customer service department but still better than doing it on your own.

That is an instant win, especially with most investors answer fewer than 50% of calls live.Additionally, with outbound voice AI, follow-up happens 100% of the time, on-time, for as long as desired.

Pick one you can live in the smallest least desirable section.  

It is so much easier to plan all the possible scenarios, choose the best path forward, and then implement it in a way that gets the desired results.Rather than trying to recover from an oppps, after the fact.Saving on taxes speeds up the next BRRRR.

Scaling speed is almost always limited by DTI and reserves, not desire.2.

It is a lot of work for what often has no return for years.If you desire an ADU for friends and family, that is great as you are not adding it primarily as an investment.  

If i were to build in CA i would focus on high end spec homes in desirable areas. 

Desirable areas often have higher taxes and less cashflow.All the best!

As @Matt Devincenzo indicated, this is really what is desired.