I see a lot of potential in your situation, and I’d love to offer some insights based on my own experience and what I’ve seen work for others in your shoes.A couple of years ago, a freind of mine, also a sole provider for his family, faced a similar dilemma.

A deal killer has the experience that you don't.

Short-term rentals are becoming oversaturated in certain markets plus anti-STR legislation is resulting in some of those properties also converting to long-term rentals.You already have the operations experience by self-managing.

We are going to create a vibrant experience for our Guests!

I have no experience in this but it seems to me it would be quite a value add.

Geez, there’s so much opinion, emotions, beliefs, and personal experience in this thread.  

You may have both but may be able to find someone else who has experience but needs a credit partner or capital partner.

Having more people liable for the lease is usually positive in my experience.

@Joshua Piche with little experience, it's better that you invest locally vs OOS - unless you want to invest a LOT of time learning another market and networking with th right people.Locally, look for a 2-4 unit property that will qualify for FHA 203(k) financing. - This will allow low down payment and the 203(k) allows repairs to be financed into the purchase mortgage.- The 203(k) will allow you to bid on properties that need repairs that won't qualify for a traditional mortgage => less competition => better purchase price.You will need to find a great local contractor you can trust to supply the required bids to qualify for the 203(k).- After closing, you can do some of the work yourself to save money, but the program doesn't allow you to pay yourself.You will want to buy a Class B property, maybe Class C+, in an area that seems to be improving.

The code being cited by the inspector is below if you care to bother.Thank you.https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IPC2021P3/chapter-7-sanitary-drainage#IPC2021P3_Ch07_Sec708My experience is the cleanouts are small change.