I have multiple STRs across the southeast including in North GA and self manage those homes.

Any tips?

Another possibility is looking into a home equity line of credit (HELOC) on your personal residence, which could help you tap into available equity without a large lump-sum repayment upfront.

Make sure your listing clearly outlines your screening criteria as well as your "house rules" if you're renting out a single room in your home.

Quote from @Danielle DeCormis: Working on a deal where the home has been foreclosed on by the bank but they indicate they have no knowledge of the solar panels or whether there is a lien. 

When we found this deal the community had around 45 homes in it, now we are close to 60 total homes and looking to bring that number up to around 80.

I'd definitely get an average priced property (something that is a starter home) in a good area. 

I would have to say my wife is much happier with me on this one being home on most nights and weekends. 

If it is a personal home, you can get a conventional mortgage on something like FHA for little money down and rent rooms out.

Also, the term "house hacking" is generally used for your owner occupied home (renting out rooms in your primary home) and that income cannot be used to help you qualify (it is considered boarder income).