Personally I wouldn't get into an investment that only provided a 5% CoC return.

I financed this deal with a bank loan and through personal funding.

Always keep in mind that their goal is to sell you something.

Do you screen them first, or get to an agreement, let them view the property in person, etc?

Real estate investors are attracted to medium-term rentals to gain the benefits of extra cash flow versus long-term rentals while avoiding regulatory risks, high turnover, and intensive management of short-term rentals.While many investors are now turning to medium-term rentals to build their portfolios, the lending world has unfortunately been a little slow to keep up.

I never thought an average person could scale up a company.

If you're house hacking, you could refinance into a conventional loan with as little as 5% down, assuming the property value and your financials qualify at that time.Make sure the terms allow for early refinancing, and keep an eye on interest rates to refinance when it’s advantageous.

Keep detailed records of all expenses.9.

(outside of going after your personal assets) Banks and financial institutions are too smart to be putting themselves in this type of scenario.  

I have not personally owned any Section 8 properties.