The only thing missing is action.You'll learn 20x more by taking action than by reading a book or listening to a podcast which are always general knowledge that gets repeated over and over.Once you dive in you will start to come across specific issues and problems you didn't even know existed!

I'm looking at the protocol to register and then have the safety and lead risk inspections, fix any issues and ultimately get the certificate of compliance for 3 years, then repeat.

Would I keep the deed in my name until it’s paid off or would it transfer to the buyers name and only revert if non payment is an issue?

Is it a mater of morality or legality? 

What legal parameters would you be cautious of?

The biggest issue we are running into at the moment is finding a profitable multi-family unit and how to fund it.

I was told my legal fees would be around $700 dollars and the appraisal is costing me $550. 

Insurance doesn't cover maintenance related issues or "wear and tear."

This seems to me to be a typical cart before the horse issue.

Managing STRs involves guest communication, coordinating cleanings, promptly (like, within an hour or so) handling any maintenance issues - it's completely reasonable that their rate is higher than that of a LTR PM.