Connect with someone like @Dave Foster.

Job situation currently:Quick background, running an IT business for 3 years now, makes about 150-250k gross per year, struggle to find the right employee to help so it takes my time m-f 8-5. 

So, I would either work this through your brokerage if they do property management, OR you could become a W2 employee for the current building owners to manage their property without it impacting your license.

Also you can save a lot of money if pm has their own handyman employees and do not need to sub out all repairs. my experience is that STRs outperform LTR by enough to cover the PM fees, utilities, and additional furnishing costs but not much more.  

Do I have to pay an employee a mgmt fee (myself?)

The bankers involved got together to create it.Are the people at the Fed government employees?

I would structure the lease as a corporate lease to the company, if the company wants the lease in the occupants (employees) name make sure to get a letter of responsibility from the company stating that they're financially responsible for the rental agreement. 

It's really more fortunate than unfortunate when you think about it....a landlord invests money, that stimulates the local economy and hires contractors and their employees.

I am a full time employee with little kids.

My pockets are not deep, and I am a W2 wage employee part time RE investor.