@Grady Gilman wise choice to house hack!

What is best choice for OP?  

Cost Segregation is a commonly used strategic tax planning tool that allows companies and individuals who have constructed, purchased, expanded or remodeled any kind of real estate to increase cash flow by accelerating depreciation deductions which can defer state and federal income taxes and increase cash flow.When a property is purchased, not only does it include a building structure, but it also includes all its interior and exterior components.

I would love to connect with you, and see if I could be a resource for you. https://www.biggerpockets.com/...Here's a post I did for a more general look at NC, instead of individual market breakdowns.

Often(but not always) these neglected homes are owned by an elderly individual in an assisted care facility.

It is not a binary choice for the Realtor - if you do a good job and take care of their clients its a win/win for them. 

With funds, your money is tied up longer (3+ years) and depending on the fund could have multiple assets in the fund to reduce individual asset risk.

its not legal to pay referral fees to non licensed individuals..

The smart TV will link to the website for this specific property.WiFi - Enable guests to quickly log onto Wi-Fi through a QR code.Ring-type doorbell - This is both a security feature and a way to track individuals entering and leaving the property.Property-specific website - Develop software that generates a property-specific website displaying distances to nearby shopping centers, airports, freeways, entertainment, and other relevant locations.

UNLESS, the hotel operator is changing how they do business and allow individual owners to run their own STR (although I am doubtful that would be the case).