Bryan Pham check with Dmitriy Fomichenko for details as I did the same thing several years ago and have been very happy with his process and that I am in Total Control.

Try to stay in control of everything you are responsible for.  

I have the option of using an online brokerage account like fidelity which will have checkbook control and the ability to invest in stocks and mutual funds along with a loan option.

It sounds like you maybe using a marketing company  which is just repping a rental fix and flipper.what I have come to realize in the rental game.. one turnkey is a moniker.. there are two schools of thought about what @Tom Ott describes above... many of the Aussie companies thought the same thing but the turn key companies were controlling everything and hiding issues since they controlled it all..

How do you control the property?  

Next, consider your controllable and uncontrollable expenses monthly for the trailing 36 months.

The great thing is you actually decided to take control of your financial future which is the Key. 

Lastly, the entire home we have decided to make "smart" and all locks, locks, thermostat, towel warmer, and mood lighting will be controlled via phones or computer.

Try to stay in control of whatever you are responsible for.  

Many people, like you, like the idea of at least investing in places they might visit, which has it's merits if you are going to be self-managing the property or just need to feel a bit more control.