Let me know if you need any tips on working with contractors or setting expectations.

Also being able to write down/document goals I set earlier and see if they are being hit.

I've rented in cold weather every month of the year.

LLC offers better legal protection.3) Setting up in states that allow your identity to be hid is also overblown.

The main reason is that it is not initially set up for a Real Estate business like other “real estate-specific” accounting software.

Unfortunately, I do have a property in an HOA, which often comes with their own set of rules that you'd have to follow of course. 

Glad you are setting aside money, but if the HVAC is 20 years old, or the septic system has never been pumped, or the roof is 25 years old, etc; you will get hit with a cost before your build up enough set aside.How stable is the other tenant? 

What are the best sources or methods you use to accurately set rental rates in your area?

I am trusting you have it set up with a service. 

I've been setting up deals but i think they look solid.