I am a residential remodeling contractor by trade with a solid understanding of the rehab process and a network of laborers and subcontractors that I can rely on, and thus plan on managing this first rehab myself. 

In my mind, a good STR manager is part marketer, part hospitality host, part project manager, and understands the investment side as well.

While I can understand that people would run away from mold, as long as there is solid, written proof that it has been taken care of they really shouldn't be any issue.If you wanted to, you can also pay for inspector to go through and show that there is no mold on the report.That's funny that Home buyers are running because it's listed, lol.

If you have little to no capital that is understandable, but note that trying to jump on a bandwagon that has left the station already might not be the best course of action...

Since the loans are not for my primary residence I understand that FHA and VA will not work.

Having your LLC name attached to the plans does provide some protection, but it's wise to check with legal counsel to understand the full extent of that protection. 

Just trying to understand tax implications. 

As I understand it has something to do with historical banking regulations.Good luck.

If you don't know the answers to those questions, you need to better understand your market.

It's important to understand the local market, navigate landlord-tenant laws, and have realistic expectations about cash flow.