I would venture your best preparation for this type of venture is to actually work at one and gain insight to how they function.

I like the business, event, neighborhood, tip rotation, I think I could probably do that consistently and keep up with it. 

If your tenants aren't very smart, odds are they won't understand how to use the smart technology, particularly when it's not functioning properly.Technology does some really neat things, but it can also cause some really big problems.

Some brokerages want you to work in the office and function more as a full-time agent, and some are perfectly happy to let you do your own thing.

Ideally, there would be enough landlords on the site along with easy enough functionality that you could verify any landlord reference by contacting that landlord on the site.

Since it is a benefit for them, they might work with you to keep them functional.

. - This mostly applies to plumbing for me but since I was living in this property and wanted to have a functional bathroom and kitchen I starting with renovating the first floor (while living on second floor), finishing that, then started the process over with the second floor.

Return is a function of VALUE ADD. 20+% for both return on equity as cashflow and high appreciation (20+% this year) are possible.

If the market gets hit hard, your option shoots up in value so it functions similar to insurance.  

You could functionally have ANYONE guarantee your loan and it wouldn't make them complicit in the operations unless otherwise specified in the Operating Agreement.