Hey @John ParshallAs others have mentioned, the current legislative landscape leaves the outlook on the viability of STR investments in SD a bit up in the air.However, as @Dan Heuschele stated, ensuring that the property is viable as a long-term rental will drastically reduce the risk associated with that uncertainty. 

Also that dirty areas on the unit can only be prevented by proper air filtration.

I just want to ensure I have all the guidance and best options laid out in front of me so I can begin this journey as a new investor in the Real Estate industry.

To me servicing means making the proper notifications, accepting payments, providing the accounting, basically doing all the proper paperwork in the right way.  

It's supposed to ensure there are no surprises after closing.

And a low cost item that makes a difference is to ensure all outlets/switches are white. 

(Small MF's on normal sized lots being torn down are generally replaced with townhouses that are sold off individually;  or they are building SEDU/aPodment beehives;  nobody seems to be adding or replacing 4-6 unit apartment structures with decent size units)   Also if you are looking inside seattle proper,  be aware of all the additional rental regulations in place there which I love to rant about.   

I have not read any of the stuff lately, but I just looked to ensure that RSA 479 was still in place.  

Then, when money is paid out to investors, should I ensure this happens equally by % to keep people's ownership % constant?

Whenever you are buying a property out of state you should do a few things to ensure it's as smooth as possible.