As others have mentioned, I would get into a skilled trade that requires a license that cannot be offshored or done by a machine (plumber, electrician etc).This would set you up for good W2 income, you won’t go into debt, it will expose you to renovations, and you can house hack while you’re young and single.

Income is currently more of a priority but of course, appreciation potential would be icing on the cake.  2) My wife and I currently own low rent residential property and though they have appreciated, Covid exposed us to a lot we had not experienced/expected. 

and want to take that loss as ordinary and not capital.Do you take the advantageous tax treatment, perhaps rightfully so, and expose yourself to failure-to-file penalties for the 1099s? 

So far, we've looked into things like septic, property taxes, disaster insurance, plowing/cleaning, cell/internet availability, propane, mold, foundation, roof, airbnb stats, and water supply.

By going non-local, you will expose yourself to a larger pool of CPAs thereby increasing your chances of finding an expert that you like.

Are they doing everything they can to expose properties to the widest possible market?

If interest rates go lower you can always refi but you never expose your portfolio to interest rate spikes.  

Just pick a company that will expose you to the most.

Are they doing everything they can to expose properties to the widest possible market?

Are they doing everything they can to expose properties to the widest possible market?