The challenge was balancing the relationship between landlord/tenant and a personal/friendly relationship.

Yes I have known it to work because the owner is not a push over, enforces policy and can make it run good......however, do you have the right personality to do this, AND if you move out can you continue to have the house run smoothly with no one in charge.  

I personally started in my local real estate market in Columbus Ohio.

Personally I like the Section 8 program when the property is located in a super poor area with a ton of blight and crime.

Just my personal opinion - get a mentor or a person who already has good experience running STR business, preferably in your area (but not 100% required). 

Personal finance is as much behavioral as it is math.

Can this person now be "a real estate" professional? 

I have known and worked with Matt for years.I have attended his training and hired him as a consultant.He is hands down the best at what he does.I have personally raised over $50 million for my hard money lending company.I am grateful for a lot of people who helping me with this success and Matt is at or near the top of that list.

And always check social media for red flags and I agree with Vince, always meet a person.  

Make sure your personality matches your path.