Claimed that it was 'family members' visiting.

He's told quite a few people "go ahead and sue me, just get in line". 

By the time you want to rest on your laurels, it would be good to have your loans not only paid off, but are also ahead of your future capex, meaning all major things already upgraded.

Good luck with your first STR—sounds like you’re already thinking ahead on how to set it up for success!

I ask my vendors to report any issues they may find while visiting a rental.

[Realtor.com]Zillow forecasts modest price growth ahead.

Also, what’s working for you these days to stay ahead of the game?

Start small - get yourself a househack, learn from your own experience of owning the rental property you live in, continue to educate yourself with reliable resources, and then worry about the next home.Having just one solid investment will put you ahead of most Americans than trying to find a way to buy 10 doors out of state in an area you don't even understand. 

Than, hey, go ahead and make federal lands available, in the normal sense ie SELL SOME! 

I would say you are already a little out ahead of your skis because you are talking about growing and scaling without even understanding the partnership and real estate portion of your prospective business.