Conventional Loans do not have a PPP.

The people who fail in real estate do not want to go through the troubles.There were lot incidents like evicting tenants due to non-payment, talk to contractors over the phone for two straight hours during travelling, handling neighbors complaints about noise to name a few.

I think this is a calculation a lot of homeowners are making right now--especially if they have a low interest mortgage, equity, and their house will cashflow as a rental.The choice is a personal one of course, but I think your future self will thank you if you pull out some equity from your existing home with a HELOC for the downpayment on the next house and a cushion renting your current home, use a property manager as you have other things to do, and buy the next house and do the same thing again.

What steps do I need to take to make sure I can get this going as smoothly as possible especially when it comes to resale in the future?

Are you doing more wholesale deals or are you looking to acquire properties on your own?

I do find it fascinating that I've heard from several developers that they are building/built apartment units for the long term, which to me sounds a bit risky.  

So what do they do to "find the next great deal"?

.- Travel The World While Doing Deals. 

Do anyone have any  experience of automated tools like CRM integration, Automated lead generation and mass outreach, customer management and appointment booking etc.

I do recommend taking a look at Columbus Ohio!