They will know market data and trends better, have reliable comps to base their recommendations on, and could even be a great deal flow with current portfolio properties selling.The completely remote, centralized PM function is one of the reasons why you see the homes owned by PE firms sit on the market so long.

Do some research on whether a single-member LLC (or LLC with spouse) will even be sufficient to protect you.

I just bought a $400k STR and the break even point with 25% down is $54k with a 2% sinking fund and 3% maintenance built in. 

@Adam BartomeoGuys the IRS requires the 1099 amount to be equal to the GROSS amount you collected on behalf of the owner, even if you are collecting water bills, etc. from tenants.NOTHING is deducted from the Gross amount,including your PMC fees!

I live and invest in the Lafayette area myself - I own several in the area - broussard, freetown, broadmoor etc There's a decent market here, I think it's somewhat competitive but there is some availability as wellOff-market is the way to go 100%Purchasing a starter home is a great way to get started - I turned my first home into a rental before I even looked into real estate investing.

Even though I am in south central Pennsylvania, I have the ability to lend in all 50 states.  

Some agents do this well, some without a license do it even better.Having a license to serve other clients first and help you conduct your own transactions second is how I would look at it.When analyzing deals I will prioritize sharing with investor clients first and only pursue it for myself if none of them want to purchase it.Happy to talk more as you pursue all of this!

That is even worse.  

SEP IRA contributions can be made until the tax filing deadline, whichever yours may be, even if you have filed early.

It might even work if you don't house hack, just depends on how much rehab is needed.