However, its downfall (and really what makes it so easy) is that it is a single-entry system. 

I am in Madison, but set up a search in Sheboygan and Port Washington as we have some family in that area who thought could keep an eye on things and the entry prices are less (in Dane County the median MLS 4-unit sale this year is $603k with 31 sales and for Sheboygan Co. this year only saw 4 sales of 4-units noted, but a median price of $252k . 

You can also take advantage of lower down payment loan products rather than going 20-25% down on a conventional investment loan. 

My local Airbnb rep said the algo does consider cleaning fee too so try to be lower or even with your competition. 

I'd much prefer to put $60K on a down payment and closing costs so I have $50K to fix it up.So a couple of questions: 1) Am I mistaken in thinking those kind of lower down payment products are out there for regular folks like us? 

However, I also understand that lower housing cost may saturate the rental market. 

If you choose an area or decide to work with people who will take up more time due to the low cost of entry, you may end up paying more in the long run. 

We are looking into houses on the lower end of the scale at first to get started for a "low risk" (we could pay mortgage out of pocket no problem even if property is vacant for 30 years) house that will give us the experience we need as rental home landlords - and I am looking down the road at potential investment ideas to keep this thing rolling.

Of course, your specific block may be higher or lower.

You don't get more deductions or lower your taxes with an LLC.