We manage them ourselves in VRBO and Airbnb.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

A lot of landlords use platforms like Zillow Rental Manager, Apartments.com, or Avail to list vacancies and screen tenants.

How long does it take you to manage a maintenance request from your tenant?

I bought a cash-flowing, turnkey duplex in my hometown (a market I knew and understood and saw the potential for + have family close by that can help me manage it since i'm OOS).

You are definitely going to want to get a lawyer and as soon as possible.This will sound harsh.In your story, you have made a number of very poor decisions about how you purchased and managed this property. 

and am eager to connect with experienced investors to gain practical insights.What I’m Looking For:Advice on identifying cash-flowing properties and understanding market trends in Lynchburg or similar areas.Recommendations for a local real estate agent or property manager with experience working with investors.Insights on how to balance active and passive investing as I grow my portfolio.I’m grateful to be part of such an inspiring and knowledgeable community.

On paper, a restaurant manager with a 740, may appear stable, but is it more stable than say a medical tech in healthcare with a 640, with less or equal time on their jobs?

STR Property management is common and I know a lot of folks doing this.  

Been with a handful of property managers during that time.