Make sure to communicate your BRRRR strategy with your insurance agent so they can recommend the right coverage for each phase.I learned this lesson the hard way: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/853/topics/1222933-my-b...

It can make leasing a bit harder since you will have more vacancy when those come do but it will all be in peak season.With respect to the hiring decision, you would need to hire someone to replace you (perform the same functions you currently perform) so that you continue to work up the ladder (spending more time on higher value tasks).  

Again, the BiggerPockets store has some books on this topic, or you can learn about it by watching podcasts, reading blogs, and interacting on the forum.

We made the decision to rent and prepare our house for long-term rental.

Lately, the topic titles on the BPRE podcast have sounded more like On the Market show, and the last On the Market show sounded more like a BPRE episode.

Or taken in escrow.Free and clear you have an asset, you need to answer some numbers, before you make a decision.

You might find it useful to attend a meetup or two just to learn how other folks got their start into the industry :) I host a small/intimate meetup once a month in LIC, check it out here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/1214850-meet...

Quote from @Sherylyn Holden: I posted awhile back about the new short term rental rules in San Antonio here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/530/topics/1200417-new-...Wanted to share a brief update on my experience and some other helpful notes:The city is getting serious about these rules.

Are there other players in this field that I should be aware of and consider talking to before making a final decision?

Then make your decision based on information.