Also, long term, I expect Sac will enact tougher restrictions on STR, given the intense housing crunch we're experience, so I personally don't expect that to a be a good long term strategy.

The FMR for a 6 BR house is over $1,800....one person's trash is another person's treasure!

Alternatively, if the bank ( assuming there is a bank) is fine with it, you could negotiate a credit and escrow the funds to be released after you do it yourself.  

Am I getting greedy to ask for an additional seller credit at closing to help offset some of repairs needed?

For a $300,000 property it could be $30,000.Then, do you have that much cash or credit available to you, in the event of a Due on Sale call?

I make sure I screen each potential tenant thoroughly (background and credit checks) and require references.

People like to rent from a person not a 'brand', it's more personal.

I financed this property using down payment funds from 403B and a local commercial bank. 15% down from personal funds. 85% down from community commercial bank. 3yr balloon, 20yr amortization, 7% interest rate.

For me personally, our STR and our little inn provide more than half my family's income so I feel I have a fiduciary duty to my wife and kids to maximize that. 

I personally think it is best to work with local professionals with a good track record.