Assuming I also use the Airstream for lodging while traveling for personal reasons, would I just take a pro-rated amount of depreciation for the amount of use that is business vs. personal?

I'm based out of Raleigh and personally own rental properties in Fayetteville, Benson and Clayton and could offer some friendly advice and help out with your journey. 

They specialized in concrete tilt up, but did a lot of time and materials work for a self made real estate tycoon who owned a lot of Federal Way.Along the way I got my CPA license and practiced in several differing sectors including doing some work with low income housing projects.As far as my start in RE, it was with buying my first personal SFR and later moving to a new residence. 

Personally, I believe it's preferable to have stricter requirements and wait for a qualified tenant.

I don't personally care about checks anymore so that wasn't an important feature for me. 

Personal use - if you or your family used the property for personal purposes, you will need this to factored in. 

The only person willing to lend me money was Paulie—a guy who charged a point a week and always had a baseball bat within arm’s reach.

We also have installed SimpliSafe (and signs about ongoing monitoring outside of the property).As someone else mentioned, it is best to have a plan not to go long stretches without checking in person.

I was implying about the type of person the original poster is.

Being a normal person and giving someone a heads up has not bit me, yet.In addition to what the law requires, I always shoot the tenant a heads up either via text, call, or email.If they are mostly responding to email, then shoot them an email.Emojis and gifs work wonders in today's day in age.