I've done a lot of research and even worked on running numbers for certain options (just as an exercise), but I'm now looking forward to jumping in.

The charts below show the median price trend during this more stable period.The higher appreciating zip codes during the 5-year pre-Covid period appear to be:89032 (North Las Vegas), 10.2%89015 (Henderson), 9.7%89131 (Centennial Hills), 9.2%89031 (North Las Vegas), 9.2%89084 (Aliante), 8.5%89011 (Henderson), 8.1%89123 (Silverado Ranch), 7.9%89141 (Blue Diamond, Southern Highlands), 7.4%89134 (Summerlin), 7.3%Rent Growth10-Year Rents $/SF by Zip Code 2015-01-01 to 2024-12-31The higher rent growth zip codes for the last 10 years appear to be:89032 (North Las Vegas), 7.1%89011 (Henderson), 6.8%89084 (Aliante), 6.4%89145 (Summerlin adjacent), 6.4%89031 (North Las Vegas), 6.3%89134 (Summerlin), 6.1%5-Year Pre-Covid Rents Trend $/SF by Zip Code 2015-01-01 to 2020-03-01The faster rent growth zip codes during the 5-year pre-Covid period appear to be:89002 (Henderson), 7.6%89015 (Henderson), 7.0%89032 (North Las Vegas), 6.8%89031 (North Las Vegas), 6.0%89011 (Henderson), 5.8%89145 (Summerlin adjacent), 5.8%Concluding ThoughtsIf past performance is any indication of future performance, the data shows that properties in certain parts of North Las Vegas, Henderson, Centennial Hills, Silverado Ranch, and certain Summerlin areas may appreciate faster than the other areas of our target area.

I have sold some properties years ago on lease options where the tenant buyers actually exercise their right and purchased the property. ( I was in the deed.)The reason I am concerned to tie another person’s property up  with the lease option is that people can change their mind, as in the seller.  

Perform a home inspection4.

If a cost segregation study was performed, the accelerated depreciation may further reduce the property’s basis, potentially increasing taxable capital gains when sold.Depreciation recapture will occur when you sell the personal residence, so it’s essential to keep detailed records of all depreciation claimed while the property was used as a rental to ensure accurate tax reporting at that time.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

How do I know which questions to ask to ensure the property manager is performing at its best?

If I were to purchase an Airstream to use as lodging while I travel across the US to my rental properties, make repairs, and perform lease turnovers, would I be able to not only deduct fuel and campground costs but also depreciate the purchase price across 5 years? 

I call the process "thinning the herd", and each year I evaluate the property performance and either take actions to increase the individual property performance or sell the under performer. 

It can make leasing a bit harder since you will have more vacancy when those come do but it will all be in peak season.With respect to the hiring decision, you would need to hire someone to replace you (perform the same functions you currently perform) so that you continue to work up the ladder (spending more time on higher value tasks).  

This might balance immediate compensation with performance-based incentives.