Based on a quick answer from Perplexity it seems like there would be no issue with you buying the home and collecting passive income, but you may not be allowed to manage it yourself since that is considered active work.

My professional background is data science / analytics, which means analyzing cash flows will probably come more naturally than building relationships, which apparently, is how one finds deals worth making.Are there meetups in these areas I should attend (digitally at first, presumably)? 

As a co-host for short term rentals, you may not need a license as long as you're not crossing over into activities that could be considered brokerage activities like handling any contracts, collecting rents, doing any accounting, approving tenants, etc.

Let’s look at the math.Pre-Covid, the National Apartment Association (NAA) released data showing that the average renewal costs between $5,000-$10,000 per unit.

There are plenty of entry roles from cold calling, scrubbing data and find deals for investors, leasing assistant, work on construction sites, office admin, project coordinator, Title assistant, RE photographer, transaction coordinator.. on and on. 

Whether you’re looking at SFHs, duplexes, or other properties, it’s important to pair on-paper data with boots-on-the-ground knowledge to really get a sense of values.If you’re considering anything serious in Detroit, I’d recommend connecting with someone who knows the market inside and out.

Perhaps if your partner was a general contractor or handyman type there may be some merit there to reduce costs / increase profitability.If your partner enjoys deal sourcing, a better move might be for him to become an agent - so he could legally collect commissions from finding deals and managing properties for multiple people. 

We’re working in a smaller market like Cornelia, GA, where comparable sales data can be limited, and want to make sure we present a strong case to lenders.

So B2C is out, but perhaps B2B might be an option (e.g providing a streamlined solution for all of the major mortgage servicing companies for collection of payments.

But you need to get the comps from the best data out there, the MLS.