You shouldn’t have to go to a second platform to verify a booking.I’m happy to jump on a call to review your current occupancy compared to the market, as well as “the anatomy of a statement.”

So more Roth for way less in taxable income incurred. doing this is easiest in a Solo 401k if you qualify but can also be done using a checkbook IRA as well. check out this post that @Dmitriy Fomichenko made explaining this concept.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/1223601-how-t... 

They made contact with me as well but I don't want to get sucked into a scam. 

I'd highly recommend this as Dave was young and had no capital when he started as well.

What if franchising is part of the strategy, with a long-term goal of acquiring properties as well?

As explained above, income from the financed portion of the property in an IRA would be taxed as well, but you can deduct related expenses, including depreciation, to minimize this tax liability; that is why I recommend a discussion with a tax expert to understand what your numbers would look like.Hope this helps!  

Ended both projects well in the green. 

You can find flat rate listing agents as well for probably $1000 offer buyers agent $2K so they will take the time to show it. 

I would go as-is as well!

You will also quickly learn how to manage properties well instead of spending decades figuring it out like most investors.