As someone actively investing in STRs and looking to scale, this raises some concerns for me about the long-term viability of this strategy.I understand the tension between hotels and STRs, especially in popular tourist destinations, but I’m curious:How real is this threat?

It is a great business as long as you have some level as scale.

Quote from @Jonathan Grzeszczyk: David Greene has a series (Sold, Skilled, Scale) that teaches agents how to run their business like a business.

Even though you’re paying a slight premium for the convenience, the ability to scale and the fact that the company vets the properties makes it a solid choice.

I’m working on scaling my multifamily portfolio as well, and I’m always looking for sharp, motivated people to collaborate with.

They are billed as "a scientific approach to single-family rentals" and use "institutional grade property management," which usually means they are a tech company in real estate and likely either don't have the existing property management relationships in each area or you chose an area where they don't have enough units through Roofstock for the PM they chose to care.

Best way to scale and build wealth is to 1031 exchange and I can help show you examples here in KC. 

Scaling up properties requires cash flow or equity, continuous education, networking, mentorship, patience, and persistence.

If you don't want to manage the property at all, you are losing money on the management when small scale management is not hard at all with a little help.

Double down and scale in your own market and lift your current team up.