All very valid questions - and all answered by one of the companies that manage these types of accounts (whose CPAs and attorneys will advise you).

I would personally always recommend using licensed and insured contractors - especially for hazardous trades such as gas and electrical.

Does the guideline for a monthly rent between 0.8% and 1.1% of the property's value include power, water, gas etc.?

A bottle of water can be $.50 at the grocery store, $1.50 at the gas station, $2.50 at the gym, $3.00 at the movies and $6.00 on the plane… the same is true for real estate.

However, what strategies I establish in Texas may not going to be valid or hold up in say California.

OK - totally valid.  

Thanks Yes, worrying about the due on sale clause is a valid concern, as it could potentially trigger the lender to call the loan due in full upon transferring the property into an LLC.

With larger multi-units, there's a common issue I call the "chronic disease of a fourplex": - One tenant might leave within a couple of months, with or without a valid lease

Investors are looking for a solution including property identification and validation, inspections, renovation and management.

Then it will receive feedback from data such as click-through rates and booking rates to determine if it is a top property.With this I suggest that you take time during the slow season to scout your competition and upgrade amenities and photos to put your best foot forward.Obviously not everyone has the luxury to do this, but it will give your listing the best chance to take its place among the top results for your sub-market.Others may have valid opinions to the contrary, and I suggest you consider what you know about your market.