The trade-offs are real, but for consistent cash flow and the right landlord, it can be an excellent strategy.What’s the best way to start?

That is an excellent question.

Tenants pay with Zelle, PayPal etc.Only takes me a few minutes per month to put in Excel.  

I agree I am burnt out but I had excellent tenants before this incident.

Vrbo has free price automation software.I use Excel for book keeping.I don't pay for any third party software, not really needed on 1 or 2 properties.I charge a little extra for cleaning fee than actual cleaning costs.

PPR is an excellent company and has never missed a monthly payment to my self directed IRA.

Milton and Farmington can be excellent choices, too, often with more budget-friendly options and the chance to add value in less saturated areas, might have better cash flow luck here.For lenders and agents, I'd recommend networking with those who have experience specifically in the NH Seacoast markets since these towns can vary in terms of tenant demographics and rental demands.

You can mitigate almost all of the risk by just hiring an excellent property manager. 

This Meadowbrook Dr SE property presented an excellent opportunity due to its favorable location and untapped potential.

Excellant job and excellant post highlighting specifically what worked for you and how you went about doing it.