I also hope airbnb does not continue to get less host friendly.  

From my own personal experience and from others I think most reach the "tipping point" from self managing to using a PM somewhere between 5-15  units, especially if you have a W2 and want to continue to scale. 

You can do this without bankruptcy and if you continue those new habits you can move on to buying an investment.

At the numbers you are talking about and where the market is heading you could pick up some very high quality NNN national credit tenant properties as commercial continues to recover. 

What I would tell you is that as we built our portfolio we continued working our full time corporate (cubicle) jobs until we had 20 units (self-managing them along the way).

As you discover opportunities, continue looking for the longer play!

Many of them won't be convinced by facts, such as how much revenue STR's facilitate in and around Asheville, and will continue to push debunked sentiments about affordable housing, but the threat of lawsuits might make them play nicer.

Until whoever is sending you these opportunities has the conversation with you on how much you'd like to make on a deal, how you figure your ARV and how you plan a rehab/ costs they are likely going to continue sending you opportunities you won't find too appealing. 

And then you continue to find ways to add value to property.Best of luck

Personally, if your market tends toward the former condition (better/normal appreciation) I think it's a fairly safe deal looking at the long term, assuming infrastructure around you continues to support the idea of renting it.