They have nice looking direct booking sites, but I'm more curious about their digital marketing training and crm software included with their package. 

We paid off our primary home last year and have been slowly getting the courage to jump into the investing market where we live in the Pacific Northwest.

Only thing I'd add is consider off-market as well.

I have a registered architect and structural PE on staff.Looking in the small multifamily market currently

@Angel Mora which market are you in?

Not a big fan of LTR furnished units, the additional wear and tear isnt worth it in my market and of course smoke smell can be hard to get out. 

Hey @Tom Dieringer, so the Expedia Group has a market cap of 21+ billion so I wouldn't worry too much about them.

Do you know the markets you threw out really well? 

If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking5.

You are (older/retired) and could benefit from house hacking and buying a duplex, or renting a room.