It's not necessary in all circumstances, but usually makes sense.

There were some code violations from a car hitting the house and other neglected maintenance that we inherited when we bought the property, although the bank paid off the fees up to the date of sale.

2) If I neglect fees/charges/this out of line $6k charge what happens?

Seems like the wise move for those unforeseen circumstances that can happen.Love the firm NO on the HELOC option as well.

The #1 FUNDAMENTAL FLAW I see self-managing landlords and way-WAY too many PM's do is NEGLECT the entirety of the BUSINESS of things. 

However, given my circumstances, I will not be able to manage STR on my own.

Those tax returns are due by June 15th of each year and you should consult with your tax professional.W-8ECI Form remains in effect for a period starting on the date the form is signed and ending on the last day of the third succeeding calendar year, unless a change in circumstances makes any of the information on the form incorrect.

It was really surprising how little attention they paid, especially when we had clear evidence of neglect with videos and photos.

I did neglect my kids and my wife to a large degree, compared to what they were used to.

Let's break down the pros and cons of each approach:Forming an LLC in the State Where the Property is Located:Pros:Compliance with Local Laws: Establishing an LLC in the state where the property is situated ensures compliance with local regulations and laws specific to that jurisdiction.Legal Clarity: It provides clear legal jurisdiction and may simplify any legal proceedings related to the property in that state.Perception: Operating with a local LLC may give tenants and local authorities confidence in your commitment to the community.Cons:Additional Costs: Setting up and maintaining an LLC in another state means incurring additional registration fees, taxes, and possibly hiring local legal counsel.Administrative Burden: Managing multiple LLCs across different states adds complexity to your administrative workload, including extra paperwork and compliance requirements.Tax Implications: You may face tax obligations in both the state where the property is located and your home state, potentially leading to double taxation or complexities in tax filings.Managing Through Home State LLC:Pros:Simplified Management: Handling all properties under a single LLC streamlines administrative tasks, reducing paperwork and simplifying tax filings.Cost Savings: Avoiding the need to establish multiple LLCs in different states saves on registration fees, legal expenses, and ongoing maintenance costs.Consistency: Uniformity in management practices and legal structures may contribute to efficiency and ease of operation across your real estate portfolio.Cons:Legal Exposure: Operating out-of-state properties under a home state LLC may expose your personal assets to the laws and liabilities of the other state, potentially diminishing the liability protection the LLC offers.Compliance Challenges: You'll need to ensure your home state LLC meets the legal requirements for conducting business in other states, which could involve additional filings and fees.Perception and Credibility: Some tenants or local stakeholders may prefer dealing with a landlord who has a local presence, which could impact your reputation or relationships in the community.Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific circumstances, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.