Self-managing can be a great way to stay directly involved, but it’s also important to consider the demands it can place on your time, resources, and expertise.I'm certain, you have experienced some real frustrations with that PM company, but a strong property management company that can align with your overall needs, can sometimes be a priceless investment when it comes to staying compliant. 

We focus on exceptional customer service by aligning our solutions with client needs, while innovation drives us to continuously improve processes and embrace new ideas.

Is anything that aligns with real estate in any way, shape, or form?

What you have been offered is well aligned with market though, typically at 75% LTV. 

Real estate is a business and needs to have systems.As a passive investor, the key is to select qualified sponsors who have multiple full cycle deals who align with your goals and values.

I agree with the "it depends" approach when it comes to determining reserves, but generally, it should align with the age and anticipated maintenance needs of the property.For example, we have a duplex built in 2003 with the original AC units and roof.

Yes, that aligns with my experience.

What your CPA is saying aligns with what I understand to be true.However, you are just at the start of your journey. 

House hacking can help convert STR to LTR, aligning with financial freedom and travel.

That being said, here’s what I would recommend for a thorough DD process:-Build a plan in advance (setup a spreadsheet, meet with the team, etc)-be prepared to take a lot of pictures -document notes with each room (we use notes on Apple and share it with the team)-align the team on standardizing information (example: what does “bad” mean, what does “okay” mean, etc - everyone looks at things differently and you want to make sure the notes are accurate during your debrief)-bring in professionals for things you can see, like sewer lines hope this short list helps!