Owner direct is the only way to go for me. Four times with owner direct pool home rentals and every single time it exceeded my expectations -- we had dream vacations. One time, due to last minute planning, we went through a 'company' and had a nightmare vacation (long story, but place was filthy, run down, and just plain awful). Not only does it cost more to go through, but the 'Company' did not stand behind their stellar reputation.
BTW - we used vrbo.com for the successful rentals.