In fact I joined the company to help build a product that can help everyday investors organize rental finances like the pros do. 

I am on the product team and helped roll out the Featured Agent program.

What are the best methods and products to tackle these tough cleaning tasks?

You need ppl who know the comps and they know what the finished product will trade for in the end.  90% of the comps sent to you by those trying to sell you the asset are soooo blown out. 

While cap rates have risen, you are still seeing groups buying in the low to mid 5%s for 70's-90's product.  

You could then get a HELOC/LOC on that paid of property (a product that doesn't require you to use it) and then if you did have a big emergency you had a line to use on it.Now, ALL of this is dependent on how much money you have in the bank, how many properties you have, what your income will be like in retirement, what the standard age would be for your end of life (that's a scary one to think about), and while yes, you can certainly take equity out I just think it would be good to sit down with a financial planner...or even some other investors that are local to you that are around your age demographic and see what they are doing.I'm glad you are thinking about this for sure.  

Or, at least the company's offering them in other states think Texas law would not look kindly on the product so as you point out they do not offer in Texas. 

I finally got down to analyzing deals, working with a realtor, etc. but I’m having a hard time investing in an STR when I know the returns I get from investing in more product in my business is exponentially more and quicker turnaround.

There is no such thing as a "guarantee" only the perception of.if it's a concern in your offer, find out what it would cost to carry a bond or insurance product for the seller. 

Stay out of Endsley that's the worse area.Watch out for those turnkey products.