Checkout section 469 of the tax code for material participation tests and what it all means.

The property needs to be titled, the home made of non flammable materials.

Anyone use alternative methods to automate the process? 

If you get the REPS and meet 500 hours managing your own materially participating LTRs, your LP interest can benefit you.

After industrial hemp was legalized in the 2018 US Farm Bill, hemp building has started to explode in the United States.Hemp is a long-lasting sustainable building material that sequesters 5 tons of CO2 per acre while growing and eliminates toxic landfill-packing petroleum-based waste on the building site. 

. - Some credit bureaus and services (like Experian RentBureau or Esusu Rent) offer alternative credit reports that include rent payment history, utility payments, and other recurring bills.

I buy most of my materials from Home Depot- because they are everywhere and the prices aren't bad.

What are your alternatives to replace your current investment? 

Your lawyer should be able to go after the home inspector and previous owners if they hid a substantial material defect.  

If you're not working with a local agent to help you screen tenants...I would say the best way to get as many eyes on the property is create marketing material - add to local FB groups and host 2 consecutive open house weekends showing a model unit and amenities.If you're close to any University Campuses - I would also suggest to partner with the university for housing opportunities for upperclass students.Good luck with filling those up!