This video is informative, but I wish the narrator more emphasized the lethal voltages within one inch of his finger.

Does anyone have any comments on working with Redfin end to end, as dual agent, buy then sell the property? 

Thru the years the most biased of NAR operating procedures have been eliminated - so called fixed commission, dual representation, ban on discount brokers, and access to the MLS being limited to NAR members.  

Nearly all of my incoming vacation rental investors in Colorado have dual goals -- to have an investment property in Colorado and also to use it for personal use.

The person that responded above misunderstood the question, thinking you were asking about if the agent was acting for both the buying and selling side, which makes them a dual agent.

So basic things like lights, outlets, switches generally worked but higher voltage appliances like ovens and air conditioners did not. 

I recently read in a book that suggested I should open a dual checking and savings account, and take the security deposits from my future tenants and store them in the savings account, then use the checking to pay the mortgage or maintenance fees.

When I started in the STR industry I used exclusively nest thermostats and could never get them to lock temps when in dual temperature heat/cool mode.  

Assure them that as long as they're happy living there and pay their rent on time each month, you aren't planning on doing either right from day 1.During this conversation with the tenant, also ask them if there are any maintenance issues you should know about, or things they would like fixed up - this will have the dual benefit of giving you the inside scoop on any deferred maintenance issues that the owner themselves might not currently be aware of, as well as giving you some ideas for improvements you could make that would give you cover to raise their rent in the future. 

STR in those areas do well year round because of fall colors and ski resorts and snow mobiling if they are on a lake, but on the flip side you are paying significant more because they serve dual purpose.