If you can't keep control of your personal finances, you are highly unlikely to succeed in real estate investing.

Don't take it personally. 

@Jerrell Sweeting   I know in NJ this was the difference between eviction(tenant) and ejection (just a " guest, no money agreement) of a person.   

More interestingly, a current tenant has a direct relationship with the owner and is close friends with my Client.

That sounds like a well-considered plan, and visiting in person is a great first step.

Then you use those on your personal taxes.

I personally don't like STR's because they are more of a business than an investment(in my opinion).You didn't mention the amount of hours that you and your spouse work but I would have to assume it be between 1900 to 2200 hours assuming you work 48 weeks and between 40 to 50 hours a week.If you buy a STR and self-manage it, you are added 200-300 hours per year in additional work making your life more stressful and less time to do things that you enjoy.Best of luck. 

Unless you have a working relationship with them they likely won't spend that amount of time for free.

The seller can remove their ID, banking info, and anything else personal and you can login and add all your information in addition to changing the email.

They are written off your personal residence.