Any pointers on who to avoid would also be helpful ;) Obviously this is one of the pieces that can make or break the performance of a deal, so I’m trying to cover all my bases as much as possible

Or if the tracking my route $20 option was included already with the monthly rate, that would be awesome.

And that's not including any extra state tax you might pay.

Other options include regular loans with a 20% down payment or getting a long-term roommate.

The ACT program includes instructions to find and qualify the FSBO.

Permit included in job (unless you're paying unlicensed people significantly less) in which case u pay someone to pull the permit.

There is some accounting included, like owner statements and keeping track of all the important numbers for a STR property...i.e. occupancy, revenue, RevPAR, etc.As for guidebooks I highly recommend going on Etsy and finding templates for hard copies and templates for a digital copy.

I am in a similar situation and just beginning to break into real estate investing.

If you can find a deal that is fairly near break-even right now, I completely agree.  

No one will care as much about your place as you do.For management, fees vary by area; but talk to the company to see what it does and doesn't include.