Often times when a builder/buyer moves too fast, or is too busy and overlooks a key piece of due diligence, the unethical ones will try the "scorched earth" method and blame everyone but themselves, even when they know it was their own mistake, and they'll see if they can scare you, the seller, the title company et al into paying damages/fixing their problem. 

@Ramada Evans yes that is all on you....you can go directly on airbnb/vrbo and do a search by the enemy method for houses that are similar to yours in size and bedroom/bathroom. 

I’m looking for a structure that would at least allow me to break even, or create capital through something like the BRRRR method to use for future deals.

I need a suggestion here to handle maintenance and cleaningTURNO for automated cleaner payment and scheduling along with inventory trackingQuickbooks / Bookkeeper to keep my PM business in alignmentChase bank & trust accountI'd like a better method for managing linens (bulk order) and distribution.I'd love to compare property management / cohosting agreements with someone to share best practices. 

Quote from @Brian Bowen: Is there a good free method or resource to find owner contact information?  

For those that rely on traditional methods and personal experience, I can understand this perspective.

Additionally, are there any other methods, approaches or strategies you’d suggest for someone just starting out in this space?

Which is to say any attempts beyond the method of communication in the profile are likely to end up convincing the landlord you and your friend would be a pain in the butt as tenants. 

What alternative method(s) would you recommend for beginners? 

If my partner wasn’t risk adverse and unwilling to move frequently I would buy a new property every 1-1&1/2 years using this method.