Do you think they're worth the investment, or do most buyers still prefer in-person showings? 

Again, large commitment of time, patience, and ability needed.The amateur of “semi pro” investor should realize that the professional investors (such as myself) spend ALL DAY EVERY DAY doing the above.  

If you've kept up, you've realized by now that the bank received something of value from the borrower for free, and the borrower still hasn't received a single dime from anyone.

You must report rental income on Schedule E and can deduct rental expenses like repairs, maintenance, property taxes, mortgage interest (allocated between personal and rental use), and depreciation for the rented portion.

Meet in person.

I personally again in my opinion only.. but these guys could be fake lenders.. for sure HML  do not have a requirement that they can only lend to a corp..

Have met him personally a couple times and he is just a great guy all around. 

A landlord policy can be a commercial policy or a personal lines policy.It's the same as asking if you should buy a single family rental or a 1 unit building.Focus on the coverages and disregard the name of the policy.

I'd personally be a bit more conservative with the underwriting and make sure to see what the carrying costs could potential get to especially if this is a bigger renovation and not just cosmetic. 

AND prices have come down a bit in the last few years.Get a good grip on your personal spending and CUT BACK on everything for a couple of years.