But I had not built up my self-confidence yet.

It's funny that the gator bois are so defensive.

I currently own and self-manage two STRs in Maine and should be closing on a small 'cabin campground' with 10 cabins nearby that will also be operated as STRs. 

My wife, Brittany, and I also own and self-manage several units in the Springfield area.

A realtor can send you a walk through 360 which can be good enough to get in on some listings to make an offer.Once you make the offer fly out and do a personal walk through and then figure out do you want to self manage or hire a local manager.

Their funds are very diverse in mobile home parks, self storage , industrial, Multifamily, etc   So they are like a fund of funds.

While I don’t yet have personal experience with a HELOC, I’ve thought about this one for my self many times.

When I was self managing, I turned over units in days rather than weeks/months and had reasonable contractors. 

Are you looking at self managing or putting into a management company?

It counteracts human nature, which is laziness, greediness, self-centeredness.