So my conclusion was that the condo-hotels are more so set up for personal use, with the ability to offset SOME of the costs by renting out the unit while you're not there.

I personally never explored them much.

My personal opinion is owning your home outright is an amazing feeling and impressive feat.

You can properly operate the STR in your personal name to include the financing, proper insurance, etc. 

Even if the property is not currently on the market, it will show you a lot of info that I personally find important.

I'm personally looking at the 2-4 space right now as I think there should be good opportunity there to make the numbers work in high-value markets

Other times you see a person do a single post and ghost their own post.I am in two other forums that are dead or dying.  

Has anyone hired someone on payroll to oversee their personal portfolio?  

I personally prefer when investors have some skin in the game.

Quote from @David Tiefenthaler: Brandon is a great teacher and a good person, but that book teaches methods that are not good for investors and are more likely to get you in trouble.