So outsourcing some degree of property mgmt would be a must... but the deal won't work paying a local property manager a large % of my revenue...Instead, I would set up my "boots on the ground" (cleaners, handyman), and would need an offshore virtual assistant to manage guests and coordination of my local team. 

I am thinking of creating a DBA with a virtual business address through iPostal1.

The duty here would be created by virtue of any agreements they entered into, rules posted to follow, or by virtue of instructions given to them to operate the washing machine.

I'm asking specifically because I am thinking about throwing a treadmill or elliptical machine in the living room if the person wants to exercise a little while they're there.The unit isn't huge (around 1k sq feet) and it will probably look tacky, but I was wondering if other people have found value in providing some simple exercise equipment, even if it seems out of place.

IA will be building, collecting rent & and taking us on virtual or real vacation. 

Most of the time you'll be fine, but when something bad eventually happens (with enough exposure over time, you are virtually guaranteed to have something bad happen), the outcome is likely to be catastrophic. 

Until then. it's virtual money. 

Quartz is virtually indestructible, and you will get that "it" factor in an STR that you need.

For out-of-state networking, I'd focus on engaging regularly in BP forums (like you're doing now), joining virtual meetups in your target markets, and connecting with active BP members who consistently provide value here. 

I've currently been using Deal machine basically doing as you're stating here for wholesale, so how would grumpy hare help?