but no one is promising you success, they're just performing a set of services.  

You must occupy the residence within 60 days of closing and live in it as your primary residence for 12 months before renting out other units.Do this several times and you will have 3-4 performing (hopefully) 4 plexs (or tri or duplex) and then you can look at doing STRs.It would create a great base for you to work towards early retirement. 

.- Investment Lock-Up: While there’s a chance your funds could be tied up for a bit, if the property is well-designed and in a desirable area, you might see appreciation that allows for refinancing sooner than you think.Buying an existing property:- Less Risk: Existing properties come with a track record, so you can analyze their performance and potential more easily.

My vacation rental performed really well during tourist season, then poorly for the other 6-7 months.

Deal spreads won't knock your sox off but it's a "beginner's market". 

For example a DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) type loan looks at how a rental performs to determine how it qualifies for a mortgage.

Generally speaking self-performing construction can be wise if you are an experienced builder.

My property performance is way below what AirDNA would estimate so I am trying to do some investigation on my own.

I'd have to plan around that in case I have to front the rent due to poor performing rentals. 

The biggest "risk" is them performing, because at end of term that means they complete purchase of property.