*I am not a CPA, tax professional or a lawyer*I cannot give legal advice, so all of my advice is illegal advice.As far as I know, section 469 of the tax code is what allows for the "STR loophole". 

Its proximity to major attractions, businesses, and vibrant city life ensured strong demand from both tourists and professionals.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

The bigger challenger with this arrangement is finding contractors that have the financial wherewithal and general professionalism to submit true invoices for work completed and willing to let it sit out there for sometimes 2-4 weeks until the draw comes in to be paid.  

You always hire professional cleaners if it's an old person's home and construction cleaners if it's a disaster area.

As mentioned, the bigger Sponsors are very professional and report very well. 

How do I educate and reach the young(ish) professionals on the value proposition of these kind of "starter homes" to build equity, learn property management and save a ton of money relative to single unit purchases? 

the first step that I would take is to find an investor from the realtor in your area and you can build a lot of your network just piggybacking off of theirs with their recommendations of contractors and other professionals biggerPockets has a great tool for finding realtors.

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?