Is it wrong they tell the investors if asked to say they are "partners", or "contractors" just bidding the job? 

Oregon coast crashed hard in the GFC   the Covid has it coming back FINALLY  but bottom line is very little industry and jobs.. since logging and fishing has curtailed .. so its retirement and tourism. 

The onboarding was extensive, and I don’t think they do a great job of explaining that most of what they need is related to the banking side of things and actually nothing to do with setting up the software.

I recognize there are other ways I could invest this cash (including another property) but I am being mindful of levering myself out too much in the current environment where job losses are more common in my industry (tech).

That's a pipe dream RE investing likes to sell.

This is the reason I quit being a moderator because of something that went mildly off the rails in the forums, and then it was completely censored because I responded to staff in the forums after they mentioned me.I think the moderators do an amazing job and should be given more pay or credit or anything.

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560 (almost 30% probability of default), little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

Ten acres in Texas with a mobile home to start is a smart way to get your foot in the door while planning for your dream home. 

Don’t quit your day job.

One marks up larger jobs, but won't say how much.