I prefer purchasing properties that don't have tenants.  1st there is usually a reason why the property is not occupied (weather mis management, or the lease expired) on an investment property the income that can be produced has a lot to do with the actual sale price, if a property is vacant I can get it for a much cheaper price.  2nd you do know how the former landlord handled business.  

Makes sense to use a GOOD local Realtor, preferably one with a lot of transactions under their belt and competence when it comes to properties with more land (make sure they are willing to walk the entire lot, to identify any special features!).

Thus, even if you are sued and the judgment exceeds your liability policy, you don't have a lot to lose since you don't have a lot owned in your name in the first place.3. 

Many people don't realize this, but your location has a lot to do with what percentage of bookings come from Airbnb and VRBO.

There's a lot to unpack when it comes to PadSplit properties.

This is quite an accomplishment but you are not done and you shouldn’t give up the money management habits that got you here. lifestyle also has a lot to do with it.

I am so glad that you have found this initial success and I love the fact that you are both a Pro Member, and found the services of @Zach Lemaster (A featured/premium agent here at BiggerPockets)valuable.I'd love to connect sometime and hear about your story in more depth - we are hoping to help others achieve success like yours going forward and I think we might have a lot to learn from you! 

There's a lot to figuring out the areas beside just the name/general impression of the city 

It would be a lot to learn but could be a great opportunity if it worked.

If you screen well, maintain your properties well, and train your tenants... really, there isn't a whole lot to do.Again, at some point I will go to a PM, simply due to scale.