Certain schools have reputations and they matter

@Jaycee Greene I planned to approach the seller to explore the possibility of carrying a seller's note.

Do you have a region in mind to buy in or are you just exploring the idea?

@Jared FisherRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

No obligation—just an opportunity to explore what makes sense for your goals.

Also:_________________________________________________________________________Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

But I do like the software after exploring itI will Update as we progress.

Mid-term rentals is also a strategy worth exploring, a good book to read on that is "30 day stay" by Zeona McIntyre & Sarah Weaver.  

Another idea that we have been exploring is using the cash value of whole life insurance funds for emergencies. 

If your current lender can’t accommodate you, explore STR-focused lenders like Host Financial or Lima One Capital, or consider bridge loans to buy time while you build your rental history.