Student rentals really drive the market, but thanks to recent zoning changes, legal student rentals are incredibly hard to come by.

Congrats on this venture - new construction (for the first time) is incredibly complex and exciting!

As an example, the highest designation (MPM-Master Property Manager which I have) means that you have to have practical experience (you need 500 unit years- meaning if you managed 100 units, it would take you a minimum of 5 years), education (24 hours minimum of formal classes- or 3 days for this designation) as well as letters of recommendation from clients as well as peers (other MPMs) and you have to invest time in the property management organization be it locally, state-wide or nationally over YEARS.So the designation process, including those that are in their candidacy, takes a lot of effort and you grow through the process in many ways including wisdom (a lot actually)! 

They often offer competitive pricing and have a wide selection.- Online retailers: Amazon and Wayfair are good for smaller items like hardware, as you've mentioned.

So, typically they stay put.You need to know the year of manufacture, is it a single wide or a double wide.

It's incredible the difference can make just investing in the state (sometimes even the city) next to where you're looking.  

I mean seriously, has nobody ever heard of wide angel before?

Nonetheless, the "1% rule" is a widely accepted guideline.

Conversely, I also know people who find communicating with guests and cleaners to be incredibly draining, they don't know the first thing about managing an STR nor does it particularly interest them, and they would rather spend their time making money in their main job rather than taking on a side hustle that they may not be able to do as effectively.

I think casting a wide net is the best approach.