Converting debt to equity if allowed by the operating agreement is not indicative of a Ponzi Scheme.  

Also, I call BS on virtually anyone claiming $100k gross in the Poconos unless it's some oddball 7br place on a great lake.

You're planning to operate this as a STR/MTR.

As an owner-operator you will be able to screen tenants a little more carefully than a PM typically does in my experience. 

Then additional expenses for virtual assistants, legal help, accounting, etc.  

Find GP’s who are pretty transparent with things like monthly financials, monthly summaries of operations, etc.

We operate primarily in the Southwestern US and New England area.

Like aircraft checklists and vehicle operators manuals (the -10s), one can benefit from extensive research, trial and error, and deliberate improvement principles gained by the many that have gone the path before. 

We've also launched a gourmet mushroom grow operation and plant nursery.

Other operators prefer MTR.