An experienced local investor with "skin in the game" would be someone I would more easily trust to define what works needs to be done.

Don’t try to help anyone unless they approach you and out skin in the game.  

Looking for advice on the best LVP / paint colors including specific brands to use.

Baahhh, Seri tell me what color sky is I can't be troubled to look up for myself.

Reason for keeping it is to keep skin in the game in case we want to relocate back to our hometown (wife likes the security).

Ultimately you need to put in what the masses will like and not what you like.I do a lot of contemporary designed homes and some of them get white shaker cabinets while others get grey shaker or some other contemporary style and color.

However, I don't have any skin in the game for mountain vacation rentals.

I would guess that for the most part, bedrooms aren't completely dark with no windows.

While he should have been educating himself in real estate principles, finance and law, he was instead learning about weasel clauses, driving for dollars. and what color postcards to mail out. 

Hiring a professional and reputable PMC will not keep you in the dark, they help you stay educated.