If the guest feels slighted, there is no fact checking service provided by AirBnB to confirm their claims, so it is up to you to let future guests know the level of professionalism you provide.If you are able, I would recommend editing your response to the 1-star review.

You're dealing with your "bad apple" that will forever help you curate your search criteria whenever you place future tenants. 

One question for the community is: What are the next best steps I should take to further educate myself and get started in this industry to set myself up for future success?

THIS WILL NOT need to be disclosed on any future applications (URLA or Uniform Residential Loan Application) as this is NOT your debt!

Since you’re still figuring out where to invest, look for areas with strong rental demand, good schools, low crime, and potential for future growth.

We still have a long way to go before we reach our occupancy goals but are excited at the future possibilities. 

If you buy the single now your DTI will be negatively affected for future properties.

You may not have done your subject to purchase in a way that protects their future ability to borrow.

I position my inspections as 'planning for future repairs/improvements' which mitigates that whole 'he's here to get my security deposit' mindset.And, I would rather have the tenant with me than to have him later claim that something was broken during the inspection.  

We don't have kids (might in the future), my husband and I are young and healthy, have stable high-income full-time jobs, and just put in a lot of work to both properties so don't expect huge expenses in the near future.