Definitely screen properly and don’t cut corners!

Alternatively, I feel that a property manager could probably rent the property out and cash flow even after they take their cut, but I am worried about the screening process and potential tenants destroying my new home.

As others say, make it crystal clear in your listing that the "shells may cut a dog's paws, and we don't allow pets." 

If you use labels, it cuts down on the effectiveness a little but clear labels works better. 

Doing this would allow me to cut my down payments in half. 

When you sell, Uncle Sam wants his cut.

Unfortunately, Uncle Sam always wants his cut ;)

Am I not cut out for this?

I think chatting with hosts is the BEST way to get sound and clear cut data (given they keep P/Ls, etc.) because I know I've heard from some folks rumor the idea that Airdna skews data a little bit to make numbers look better than actuality to encourage folks to invest in the area & use their platform to see data.

I would protect myself and cut my losses so I was not looking over my shoulder or getting high blood pressure every time I heard a knock on the door (hoping it is not the FBI showing up to ask you some questions).