@Jeff Galak - big fan of Latchel's product and team.

Every system you try will have flaws, or you may salivate over a feature that appears in other software.Some familiar names are mentioned frequently: Stessa, Apartments.com, RentRedi, TenantCloud, Innago, RentManager, Avail, Rentec Direct, Doorloop, etc.I recommend conducting thorough research on each app online to understand their offerings, pricing, etc.

Take advantage of the need to get new residents more frequently than an LTR by experimenting right after you've filled a listing: change up the description on your platforms, try a new platform, raise the proposed rents, or practice reaching out to those "bad leads" of FF.

I always have been a fan of investing in a place that makes sense on paper and your heart.

The issue I often encounter with this line of thinking is that investors frequently fail to consult their lender about what is permissible.

the answers to all of your questions are... go find those people in person, which is difficult to do out of state unless you're traveling frequently to your chosen market. 

I’ll just start out by saying I’m not a fan of syndications and own a number of single family rentals just to mark my position from the outset;  but the answers as to “why” may provide enlightenment to you, so I will throw a few out for your consideration.., some of which you mention, so it seems you must be aware of them.As an investor, your goal is typically  to maximize your return and minimize your risk.  

If you were a larger user of a particular plumbing service, such as 120 apartment units with older plumbing and frequent issues, or a McDonald's you might expect a little better service.Good Luck!

I am not a fan of that...too many property managers will take anyone that will sign and move to the next dollar. 

I am a fan, don't get me wrong. the smaller your mortgage, the less likely you are to refi because rates got lower.