It seems most of my tenants want every windows completely covered anyway, so you can expect them to just leave the curtain pulled over the window most of the time.Here is an example I found online, but I put my rod higher up:

As for mentoring, maybe check out local investment clubs or online communities like Reddit's investing or personal finance subs.

Did you take into account 75% of the rent? 

As long as you are not signing leases, showing the property, or putting rent and security deposits into your account, etc, then you aren't considered a property manager.

We then talk about logistics for our upcoming relationship; how to pay rent, how to submit maintenance requests, emergency maintenance request process, HOA restrictions and violations, confirm they have switched utility accounts over, and other pertinent facts about how we manage homes.Finally we collect move-in funds and exchange keys.Welcome to the game!

While I am not an accountant, and you should speak to yours about this, there is a loophole in the tax code called the STR Loophole which allows your STR (provided you are not using a PM) to be counted as active income/active expense so that the costs, payments, depreciation etc. goes against your active W-2 income.

Also, local real estate agencies sometimes have rental listings not advertised online.

Consider pre-loved appliances from reputable stores or online marketplaces.

Maybe checking out local networking events or online forums could help you connect with potential lenders.

The kinds of attributes you seek will depend on your approach.Given your youth, take into account the potential for house hacking.