I don't know, timing the market is impossible so when is the right time is when you are willing and able.

Other 70% liquid vehicle like equities, etc.You got to know what you're working with though and be honest with yourself.

That would be hard, but not impossible.

In 5 years what will that vehicle be worth.  

This is a crucial vehicle to your early success as a veteran.If you don't know where you will settle when you first get back, getting started learning markets that are interesting to you (and you may also like to be close to) is very wise.

Having an expert landlord attorney involved will help you a lot.As for the actual question, it is very difficult if not impossible to "stop" a tenant from damaging your property, because you are not inside the property to know what they are doing.

Given that it is near the end of the year, it is almost impossible to get the STR permit  and actually rent it before the end of the year, most likely, I am not able to get any tax benefits in 2024. 

Do you have so many properties it's impossible to physically show them all?

If your padsplit residents have vehicles that can cause parking issues.

While you aren't going to have investors, i.e. it is very unlikely but not impossible, that people will commit to a deal before you have identified one, you do want to grow your network of possible LPs and nurture them.