Artwork is often personal choice, but you definitely need some stuff there.

I am sure there are other good choices out there, but strongly recommend them.Stessa is lacking tenant communications and maintenance tracking, but overall stands up pretty well as free, or nearly free.Buildium is pricey and has a learning curve, but if you are going to exceed 20 units, definitely look to migrating to a real professional package like buildium

How does one define design choices, etc?

They charge $500 a month plus a $350 set-up fee plus whatever you spend with Google or Bing to run the ads.DIRECT MAILIf you have a pretty healthy budget to spend, then direct mail might be a good choice for you.

For first-time investors, house hacking is the smarter, steadier choice. 

If I'm staying one night somewhere, a quick business trip or something into Denver to show clients homes, a hotel is my choice.

Pros include securing the desired property and strategic planning, while cons involve higher costs, financing challenges, and complexity.

The fear of unknown and the bad potentials, but then sh_t happens and ya remember that we got a choice to lay down and be done in by it or roll-up the sleeves and get to work and be a solution maker. 

If you added in the cash you should have to protect against contingencies, the actual return goes down (or the risk sykrockets, your choice)- If the $300K properties cashflow, definitely a better bet. 

You want an accountant who can help you strategize and who is responsive when you want to know the consequences of the financial decisions you are making throughout the year.Good luck.