The rate market may now create a better safety-net scenario than before as well...

If you brought your spouse and 2 kids with you, and you could argue all of your argue of your time on the trip was looking at real estate, and your personal business and activity circumstance defends being able to immediately deduct it and not treat it as a start up cost... likely 75% of much of the travel costs (airfare, food, etc) would be non-deductible. 

Just my food for thought here

I do manage some small apartment complexes and generally there are not too many issues, but not zero.Also, for me as a PM I have fixed costs per unit, so to have 5 listings in 1 house would be cost prohibitive.Just food for thought, good luck!

I’d appreciate some feedback on my current approach and advice if any.Here’s what I’ve done so far:Pre-Approval: I’ve secured a pre-approval amount and interest rate from an online mortgage lender.Property Analysis: I’m using the mortgage and STR calculators from BiggerPockets to assess the financials for potential properties.Neighborhood Research: I’ve been exploring different neighborhoods using Niche to get insights into schools, safety, and livability.AirDNA: I’m considering subscribing to AirDNA for data on occupancy rates and rental income estimates.Questions:Is AirDNA worth the investment for STR data?

Food for thought...

Institute additional phishing attempt trainings with your IT group.Increase Cybersecurity: Ensure your software and safety protocols are up-to-date.

Just some food for thought.Typically from my experience, a lender that is willing to do a "blanket" style loan, lends from their own portfolio.

But ignoring the safety of your guests could cost you everything that you own. 

If you just want to throw out a general amount for safety, I would say 15k, but there is a lot of good advice above on how to judge it.