Just make sure you have adequate coverage through your own insurance company.One of ours already has about 10 weeks booked off-platform next year, mostly from repeat guests, so vetting guests is not an issue...I suspect as you get a few years under your belt, you will have enough repeats to ensure a large number of off-platform guests.

If you do decide to partner with other investors make sure to do your DD to ensure all partners have the same long term goals. 

I ensured my properties would cash flow as long term rentals. 

You pay them to ensure your property is in great condition, they should be your eyes on the ground.

If you get your license and don't intend on helping others, you can still access the MLS, which is important to ensure you have good information.

Should I offer a few grand over asking and ask for a seller's credit at the table to ensure I get funding?

Should I try to maximize my preapproval amount to ensure that I am taken seriously when evaluating larger multifamilies?

While these items don't necessarily add value to a home, they were needed to ensure a safe & sound property for future guests.

Conventional - needed an escalator clause to ensure I got the deal.

If money allows, I would update the entire system at once to save money, ensure functionality, maximize efficiency, etc.