You can also outsource these office functions for a few dollars per unit.  

Would it make sense to "outsource" #2 above to a home warranty company to manage the first year?  

I will agree with Tariq and Moshe that out sourcing has a ton of benefits.

I would plan to outsource management until it became feasible to start my own management company.My understand is that one would need commercial financing starting with the 11th property, but on what kind of terms?

I hate to outsource overseas but results and costs can't be disputed.Patrick

Is starting my own auction house or outsourcing the better/easier solution?

hi you wrote " Seems like a lease option might be my only way to avoid renting a place" i dont understand that or what is ideal for you...but lease with option to purchase is renting the place....heres where i am on this as landlord in jax, licensed, investor, etc...You-tubers, teachers, out of staters seem to love em. i was hooked too, I love the idea of non-refundable option deposit and outsourcing the rental fix-ups to tenants who might or might not purchase it. i love the idea. 

I don't really want to outsource it to a company. 

it's becuase they are outsourcing the underwritng.

Neither is a right or wrong strategy but you need to weigh out how each strategy fits your lifestyle and goals.An Airbnb may stretch your profits but comes with higher vacancy risks, higher overhead/operational costs, but most importantly will likely take more of your time.A traditional rental may yield a slightly lower return when comparing one property vs one property, but also may be less time intensive and may scale better (particularly if you outsource the property management).