Readers are advised to seek professional advice.

I learned that it's better to go for quality the first time if you want it to last.Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Buy real estate as a "real estate professional."3.

The pipes have to be dewinterized so I would have a plumbing professional there prior and when the water gets turned back on just in case.

FWIW Hostaway doesn't.This felt sketchy to me, but I actually hired someone who had first hand experience with most of the platforms (works in the industry but does some moonlighting) and he supported us giving Hostaway a try.

You should hire a seasoned real estate agent that understands the market.

We get about 200 - 300 maintenance requests every month; I would have to hire a FT property manager just to "walk" the maintenance concerns.

I'd do that and I'd fire the PM and hire a reputable one. 

It is November 25th and there is only about 35 days left in the year with a lot of professionals who take off the last week of the year.Given that information, you will likely need to buy a poperty with a quick close to achieve what you are looking to do.

It is important that you hire professionals who have experience working with foreign investors.