There is a ton of info out there so I would do a search (Google or similar) and start reading up on how to get noticed on the various search engines.He's trying to list his property as a business via Google my Business. 

Search listings in the area on airbnb.

I have been researching the Huntsville market for some time now, and one day I realized that there were a lot of rental listings on Zillow that had been sitting for more than 100 days, which is a red flag to me.

Of the tasks that you listed, only #1 count toward REPS hours for a rental property investor.

IF it all comes of easily, then you could list it for sale.

There's < 2 months of seasoning for the purchase, cash into the deal is ~$975k w/o rehab (minimal planned so far - turnkey), purchased the property for 35-40% below assessed value, 825+ FICO, and would optimally like to pull out $975K-$1.15M of equity.Main scenarios we've thought of to accomplish this are: 1) structure sale of property from SMLLC to self and secure 30-year new purchase financing on deal (unsure if legal and tax implications if above initial cost basis)2) delayed financing (LTV restrictions a concern)3) cash out refi (seasoning concerns)4) DSCR (seasoning and rate competitiveness concerns)5) one of the above plus a HELOC, personal loan, etc.?

On the second question, you can only qualify for 100% depreciation if it was occupied or listed for rent in December of this year.

You can't count on believing that the family member will not produce a handwritten lease (real or not), or other paperwork & tactics, to throw a big old wrench in your initial/expected timeline.You CAN expect that if they see you as the big old rich/developer/bad guy enemy, they will do as much damage as they can, and drag their feet as long as possible.See if you can feel out what the relative actually wants/ needs, connect/come prepared with info on resources for local "housing help" options, etc (perhaps), and figure out what you can do to solve the problem (cash for keys with an incentive for quicker move out timeframe?

I think we’ll likely move that direction as tenant vetting, listing, showing property is going to be a challenge living out of state. 

The initial investment might be large, but if you can't make that back in a few deals from leveraging the network you might not be in the right position within your business.