Before the income subject to UBIT is calculated you can depreciate and deduct expenses and losses on that portion of the income so generally it's not as bad as people think. 

That's some people's niche and it works for them.

I love finding deals and helping people pursue their goals. 

Quote from @Josh Lansberry: You will hear a lot of people bad-mouth him, but Dave Ramsey can teach you how to get financially savvy real quick.

I can buy a 2-4 unit with 20% down vs conventional can only buy a 2-4 INVESTMENT property with 25% down 4. there are options where DSCR loans dont repot to personal credit, helps in not having to show a bunch of paperwork or not one person in a partnership has to carry the debt5. way less paperwork to close on this loan type vs a conventional loan. we care about the income of the property you're buying and it's ability to service the debt of the property whether we use long term rents income, lease income, or air dna/bnb income.6. easily buy in partnerships, add people to your operating agreement, its as easy as that so bring partners into a deal. helps with scaling and raising capital or getting partners involved7. gift funds allowed to close on these as well, and like I said earlier, there's only a 10day seasoning period of funds with some lenders so that means you can literally have a private money lender deposit money into your account 11 days before closing, and you can use those funds to close!

It might because they don't want any random person just setup a property management software to make it look legit and using it to scam people (tenants)

Because it takes repetition for people to remember things and you have to be top-of-mind when they encounter a potential client for you!

You might be some answers here but local people will be better. 

I know some people do this but proceed with caution.

Ask them if they'd mind sharing their experience with you.. if they'd recommend the area or not, and lastly if they could maybe send you a P/L sheet to see their income, expenses etc.You might run into some hosts that aren't responsive or any help, but it just takes a few people to share insight to get a good idea of the market you're dealing with.