It takes a little more work with outreach but worth it! 

STRs need to be viewed from a 365 day lens so if the numbers work well then, you still can be successful.

Your PM is likely a Brokerage and would want to sell it themselves, not have someone else take away business from them.

It would be good to understand how one should take that view in order to effectively use that information to decide on how to proceed with a property. 

Congratulations on taking that big step to getting your first deal.

You're giving up some good tax benefits since you're in the tier of taking itemized deductions.

I’m debating whether to furnish the shared areas or just stage them for photos and viewings.

I recommend you go visit a few times to network with local investors or find an investor friendly agent so you can gain local market knowledge, find off market deals and for things such as showings, picture taking or getting accurate comps.

I am not familiar with Avail and whether a LL can view credit history.

Welcome to the world of real estate investing, and congratulations on taking the first steps toward learning about this exciting space!