From most OOS investors I am speaking to this is where most of the attention is, so be prepared for competition - seems that this forum was revived from the dead but to answer the original question with a few practices you can manage the air-bnb yourself to get higher occupancy, I would recommend educating yourself on tricks for the platform those will make the biggest difference - definitely helps having someone take care of your air-bnb account and for completely hands off investing do that but just previewing/welcoming who comes in can be done remotely in a professional manner I have seen it done in multiple states. 

Hey Aaron - just a word to be careful in Orlando area as the area is not performing quite well at the moment due to oversaturation. 

Be careful though -- you'll often take a very steep haircut on the face value of the note if you shop it in the broader secondary market.  

3% escalator is minute so that is what tipped me off to you maybe getting hosed here. 

Any tips for someone starting out that you wish you knew?

A careful present value of the two strategies would need to be made based upon a specific investor's circumstances, goals and objectives to determine which would be best for them.  

By purchasing smart with an assumable loan, you will have a lower monthly payment that will have a much better chance to be covered by the rent and could also leave you enough room to pay a property manager (if you choose) to take care of the home if/when you are relocated in the future. 

Where can I look for a good cold call follow up texting scripts or at least some tips on what to say that is short and to the point, but plants the seed of curiosity?

I have been in the healthcare industry for more than 20 years, now looking for the opportunities that real estate offer. 

CPA/client relationship is definitely is something that needs careful consideration because want to find something that is the best fit for you in terms of risk tolerance level as well as budget.I just helped BP actually build out a CPA finder page so if you are still looking, check out that page to see service providers that have experience in working with RE investors https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/finder/tax-and-financ...