@Lexi Blocksom If the burden of holding the property outweighs the long-term gains, a 1031 exchange allows you to defer all taxes, and you won’t have to recapture depreciation.This option enables you to use the deferred tax benefits to purchase nicer properties in areas with greater growth potential.Once you complete your exchange, you can immediately do a cash-out refinance if you need access to some cash, tax-free.

I'd check local STR FB groups and see if you have a local Real Estate Club.You can offer your services there, maybe for free in exchange for the experience.

@Marc Zak Using an LLC for each property provides strong liability protection by isolating risks to individual assets, with income and expenses flowing through to your personal taxes on Schedule E.

And @Natalie Bender is right about spreading your risk by going into multiple DSTs. 

Duplexes cash flow better, have less risk, AND EASIER TO MANAGE compared to a SFH.  

Second pro is that you get to lower your living expenses or live "rent free" by having your tenants pay for your mortgage payment.

Feel free to reach out, my team has experience lending as well

You are free to do whatever you want after. 

You can refi it while it's vacant.Feel free to shoot me a message if you want to discuss further.

It  depends on your risk tolerance and what other assets you’d like to protect.