If I bought the property now and had to keep the tenant, it would rent out for $1450/mo and my payment would probably be around $980, but with property management and maintenance fees it would cash flow <$100/mo.

They are typically interested in a furnished bedroom, have the income stream to guarantee rent payments and are fairly low-maintenance. 

So, my suggestion would be to get into a position where you can handle the cost of maintenance without the warranty and save yourself the extra money that you're paying. 

Do they tend to have any special issues with vacancies, or more maintenance due to the type of renters?

Documentation of applicants prior experience managing rental units or other background involving property maintenance. 

Chances are, you will never get out of it what you have put into it (gas, maintenance, taxes, etc.)

You only need a place to track tenant information, payment history, maintenance, etc.

Expect calls often - it was nice with the lease as the company handled maintenance and issues 24/7, and it was definitely needed.

I recently read in a book that suggested I should open a dual checking and savings account, and take the security deposits from my future tenants and store them in the savings account, then use the checking to pay the mortgage or maintenance fees.

I’m arranging to have a local handyman + general maintenance person as people that I can reach out to if guests need anything, but wondering how to contract/pay them?