As long as you are screening the tenants/animals well and conducting inspections, I think you'll be fine.

The heavy cleaning and repair costs after longer stays are definitely pain points but I've seen my clients make it work by screening the tenants more carefully for MTRs, doing bi-monthly checks to catch issues early, and writing clear lease terms about maintaining the property.

It's a great way to learn in real life and off the screen.

Our renters were great, emphasizing tenant screening process, and returned the home in great condition.

I believe that self-managing your property and maintaining detailed records is the only true way to demonstrate your material participation and safeguard your tax savings.

In general, if there's nothing in zoning or the deed restrictions prohibiting the division of the property, it's mostly just getting it resurveyed and presenting the new subdivisions to the local government (county usually) to have each lot recorded as separate parcels.

You'd be 100% plus leveraged going into your first deal - no track record - I don't even know anyone that would lend money to you.

If you’re short on experience or financials, bringing in a sponsor with a strong balance sheet and track record can make all the difference.

Definitely check their ID (FB is full of fake profiles) and screen thoroughly.... many, many scams out there right now. 

I recorded a podcast last week with Dave Meyers and Henry Washington of Bigger Pockets.