You can use the Bigger Pockets management finder tool to look up MTR management companies in the area and then I have a few recs I can provide if you are interested.Shoot me a message if you would like to discuss further and I can help you strategize to make sure you make the best decision possible!

You could use tools like Airdna and Pricelabs, filter for 30 min listings, and see what it tells you.

We drafted a short-term “use agreement” giving her a couple of months to find a new spot for her outdoor furniture and tools.

All of the tools that you use to try to figure out if a potential tenant will be a "good" tenant revolves around trying to answer those 3 questions.

Avoid PMI and then go to a local credit union and get a heloc after closing to gift the money back.Have this as a tool in your tool belt but pursue use of the 3.5% FHA, knowing that you will be at a competitive disadvantage if you are competing with non FHA buyers, then you can call in the favor from your gift person.Just know that if someone gifts you down payment money, your bank will require them to sign a letter stating that it is in fact a gift that doesn’t need to be paid back.

Building a Compliance ChecklistA compliance checklist is a powerful tool to ensure your properties meet all requirements.

all materials, all labor costs to others, Not you, utilities, interest payments, permits, licenses, auto/truck expenses, tools needed are all deductable. 

Bigger Pockets also vets lenders a bit before allowing them to participate in the Bigger Pockets Find A Lender tool so they've already done some of the due diligence for you. 

If you control how they perform tasks, set their hours, or provide tools, they should likely be a W-2 employee, requiring you to withhold taxes and comply with payroll regulations.

I would read up on the risks before collecting rent with those tools.