I know there is surety bond process and there a a few companies that appear to offer a service (Like Rhino)Furnished Finder has a new feature called Worry Free Waivers but when I tried  to better understand their process, it was clear they have not done a good job of vetting this out. 

So, it's still NOT a good idea to try to invest by zip codes - which are too big in our opinion/experience.

Vacant properties can sometimes be the way to go because you can try and get top market rent, as well as include any fees or protocols that might not be in a standard lease.  

The property manager must make a profit, otherwise there is no incentive to provide the service.

Now I am trying to buy a 2nd and rent my current home long term.

The ability to effectively self manage would depend on the scale you are trying to buy. 

Copenhagen is too expensive.I'm trying to assemble a team of the following:- Carpenter- Someone who knows the legal side and. is handy with tools + can talk to people. - Me, I know the financials.

Let us say you want to have a Section 8 rental, then first try to define what you can afford and where is that money will come from.

For example over the last four to five years a lot of people went out and bought STRs thinking it was going to be a great investment only to find out that the numbers did not work a year later and needed to try to use it as a LTR to make ends meet. 

Try it out first test out whether or not you two are a good fit before building a massive portfolio together.Create an operating agreement for your LLC, and create a partnership agreement, defining roles and expectations.