While we all the like the forced appreciation its simply not reality for a lot out of state investors unless they take on quite a bit of risk. 

Once you get a flavor for lending options you should run a proforma and determine how much return the project will be able to generate on its's own and how much return will be left for LP investors if you go the syndication route.

@Christine Aledam LLCs will affect your future loans/refinance so you can’t simply just buy in your name and operate as LLC.

Your scattered approach is going nowhere fast (analysis paralysis) and is highly likely to result in someone taking advantage of you:(Recommend:1) Figuring out what investment approach suits your skills & risk tolerance2) Determining where in the US to apply your chosen approach3) Learning everything you can about that market4) Networking & building contacts & team in the market5) Doing a "test" investment in that market to make sure your expectations are met6) Investing more if your expectations are met.-- If not, go back to step #1 as you many have chosen the wrong approach!

I was just pointing out that I felt it was too much for a STR mattress.The Zinus Green Tea model that we have are a few years older and I am sure there are new ones that have superseded ours.I would simply wait for the deal and grab one up.

The detectors simply need a common wire such that one goes of, all go off. 

From the little you mention, it sounds like simply a risk aversion issue.

The closing attorney or Title company may be the determiner for an answer and usually at this point in the process as an agent I'd defer to them.As an investor, I think I'd want all this squared away before closing so maybe check with the attorney/closing company.

An investor should actually work backwards from their Target ROI, to  determine what to offer on a rental property:Determine reasonable market rent, NOT the highest!

Finally- you can eliminate 95% of the troubles and risk by simply having professional and legal screening and management processes, so don't sleep on that piece.