I am going to try to list with Zillow Rental Manager in the next couple of weeks because my home in Indiana will be vacant in mid-July. 

Currently they are rented to 2 different mid-term rental investors = basically no management cost to me + no turnover headaches for me.

It was restricted from STR for 13 months including the time for placed mid term tenant lease to expire.It was fortuitous timing as first STR guest was placed just as tourist high season was ramping up.  

A friend introduced me to Mid South Home Buyers.

So some basic numbers on these homes:Total estimated value of all homes including their primary home: 5.8MTotal remaining loans on homes: ~900kInterest rates on these homes range from low 3’s to mid 4’sSo two questions: 1) Do I need to cash out refi each individual home if I want down payment money or can lenders lend based on the entire portfolio?

Currently you need GOOD CREDIT (or have a partner who does) - 720+ mid-score is ideal4.

Being successful as an absentee owner of a small or even mid size business is close to impossible.  

Much more durable.New toilets are a new brainer, also stay away from cheap brands, go mid grade.

Usually, mid-term leases are a reasonable option for people in this profession but there are so many other professions/needs that most people probably don't target that worker specifically.  

I just had one bolt mid lease leaving huge amounts of garbage I have no way to dispose of.