I do like all the data that Stessa provides for investors.

I have no idea.Never even thought of it.I'll check it out in Oregon.

I believe Airbnb and Vrbo dont do credit checks is this right?

I believe the max right now is around 9% but check with your attorney.

Most standard MLS contracts now include a box check for 1031 exchanges. 

I generally rule out most single family homes as viable rentals, as prices are pretty high relative to rents, so aside from some downtown neighborhoods, typically you do not find large areas of single family rental neighborhoods (a median sale price on a 3 bed, 2 bath home so far this year in Dane County on MLS sales data is at $430k). 

You can use Airdna & other STR estimator tools to get data on potential income/vacancy based on your location and property size. 

I'm definitely going to try and find some local meet ups, and I'll be checking out that podcast. 

Check their social media profiles to gauge whether they are reliable individuals.

Also the 1% rule is about as good as the rule thumb and not based on current conditions or current data.