It will need a lot of refurb work, but want to know what the management requirements are as I work full time for the government.

Government guaranteed rent is definitely the way to go. 

I’d like the flexibility of an STR but got comfortable with the risks of local government pushback because I can convert to LTR.

With my self-directed account, I am partnering with the government because they will decide how much tax I pay and when I can take it out.  

Okay, this government is doing that, but that's a different discussion. ;-)Banks lend the money that people put into the bank for savings, investing and so on. 

The tax sale "launders" off all liens except local government liens--sewer, grass cutting, demolition. 

This is the new FinCEN rule where you do have to report beneficial owners or those who have substantial control to the government watchdogs.

To be good at Section 8, you have to understand what you are getting into, how the system works, the variability of tenancy, and you need to be on it all the time.I think people keep asking about this because the government pays you.

I think this might be a low point because the Canadian government is trying to pump the housing market before the election next year by lowering rates, relaxing mortgage insurance conditions etc.

Real estate contracts in Texas are produced by the Texas Real Estate Commission, ie, the government.