I'm at a stage where I really just want to get involved and start buying properties.

Yep for one especially in the early stages a hard credit pull would not be useful, just have them do soft checks for the time being and opt out of credit solicitation: www.optoutprescreen.com I could be biased... that said typically working with one lender than can help regardless of where you're looking and having a relationship with that will provide the easiest and most cost effective route long term. 

So consider how long the lease-up will take:Is there so much rental demand that you can show it during the late stages of reno and get a lease signed?

Flying in monthly helps, but having a local contact (realtor, manager, or trusted partner) is key for regular updates.Use tools like progress photos, video calls, or project management apps to stay connected, and schedule visits at critical stages of the project.

Far too many get stuck in the "paralysis by analysis" stage, thinking they just don't know enough to get started.

STR can provide more cash (potentially), but its a high risk high reward strategy - if you invest in the furniture, staging, photos, and management or self manage, there is a lot of time and money invested.

So most agents are only putting about half of that $12k in their pocket, and out of that $6k they have to cover all of their operating expenses: licensing fees, MLS/ Realtor Association fees, continuing education classes to stay compliant with licensing requirements, monthly "desk" fees/ technology fees to their brokerage, health insurance for themselves and their family, errors and omissions insurance (required), marketing, car, car insurance, gas, clothes, computer/ software, cell phone, closing gifts, signs, photography, staging if they offer that, etc.

It's staged with a daybed + trundle (plus 2 chairs, coffee table and TV; its a good size), but the windows do not open, so egress by stairs only. 

@John Postma We are working with about 5 owners that are at the same stage as you with almost identical stories.

So I'm still in the "prepping" stage of investing, learning all I can.