Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I would chat with a tax professional to get their opinion. 

At a cost, of course, but if you can get in the door by co-buying with a handful of others, it does really lower the barrier-to-entry.I haven't used any such service, but at current prices/rates I've considered it.

And of course we were "going to end up being fried like a potato in nuclear holocaust", How do you plan your investing when everyone will be living in a Mad Max world. 

Of course winter is slower, it follows the trends in tourism and prices match the near by hotels. 

Look for a professional property manager and hand it over to them.

Work with seasoned professional and drill down on all your options. 

Of course not.

DTI is a common challenge that we all face, however, it sounds like you need a lender that is going to help you look at the overall situation and give advice as to the best course of action.

Students/young professionals seem to make up the bulk of the rent by the room occupiers (at least in Reno which is a relatively affordable market, although increasing significantly over time)