I'm a broker and investor in NYC and I can at least point you in the right direction.

I see MV has the right middle ground here where there's less eyes on it and gives you direct highway access to the city whenever you need it.

When my health insurance became $1200/month I got a job as a direct support staff at a group home on 3rd shift which has lasted about 15 years and has always allowed me to have many hours per shift to myself to focus on my real estate and learning things.

Broadly speaking, no house will survive from a direct hit from a tornado.  

I can message you direct contacts for them if you'd like to reach out.

Just remember email and phone data is the best to help you build an independent direct booking presence.

I am actively saving for the next place, and would like to avoid the traditional agents, bank fees, etc, and work directly with the seller off market on my next deal. 

Just wanted to throw that out there as I noticed it hadn’t been mentioned.To answer your question directly, no you do not have to actively manage a property to use bonus depreciation (or Section 179 depreciation), but you may be subjected to Passive Activity Loss Limitations if you generate a net loss.

Your bank can give you instructions to share with tenants so they can set up direct deposit from their bank to yours, without software.

Approaching the Owner: Considering the property is listed, would it still be advisable to directly approach the owner?