Both scenarios are great so you can't wrong unless you start negative cash-flowing on a property.

@Nathan Gesner @Michael Smythe To clarify, the commissions for the agents and lenders provided through them, along with the labour for the contractors are still being paid to the individuals involved, just like it would be should I go ahead and find them myself. 

The other 4 (2 beds) would be through a guest room having an additional bed (maybe bunk) and I am a fan of a pullout sofa or trundle in the master if space allows.

Why would the landlord not want to be the managing member/ sole member of the management company and just take its earnings back onto his 1040 directly without passing them through to another shell company?

I had even set up payments to my bank account through Zillow that was verified.

We use this along with the credit and background check that is provided through appfolio

I've tried working through wholesalers, but the numbers just don't make sense.

In the mountains I imagine it is a hot tub, views etc.Using a tool like AirDNa can cut down on research time sifting through listings and gives you a better idea of occupancy. 

I have an agent friend and investor helping me in Toledo Ohio as toledo has great cash flow opportunities.

Mary's county, Maryland, through a tax lien foreclosure, paying about $40K.