@Tyler Cornfieldshort answer - i don't know if you are or not. ask some lenders.but i'll say this about out of state investing at this time. 

So, when investing in areas they don’t really know, investors should research the different property Class submarkets.

I know the entire zipcode will have better and worse areas so which of the towns would you suggest?

I would use cleaning services but it's my understanding I could use more than one company over the course of the year to limit how many hours one company spends on it.I'm looking into a utilitarian STR more for business travelers, so this won't be one where everything is perfect, it's bound to accumulate wear and tear I think.The STR would be out of state, but I plan to travel there for probably two weeks a year where I would perform many repairs myself.

I had some experience on long-term rental out of California, but I know running short-term is a different story. 

If you have the means to get a loan and house hack in your current situation, I'd think living in a college town and knowing that town and area well would give you a strategic advantage.  

How do people feel about section 8 tenants??

If we could prove out income I know getting money for the renovation with the property as security would be no issue, any suggestions? 

I found a MHP that I am interested in possibly buying and came here to see what information I could find to help me determine if their asking price is reasonable and how to determine its value myself. 

@Jon Martin You are right , if you don t know how to market a property and get direct reservations you should not attempt to co-host or triple net lease a property.You fail to mention that leases on a property can be as long as 30 years.Long leases are a way to give both property owners and management companies favorable terMs.