The overall theme that I'd like to convey is that (a) tax and financial strategy vary from individual to individual, (b) tax and financial strategy are integrated and must be approached holistically, and (c) while you should retain qualified professionals to assist you with the various components of your tax and financial strategy, you must remain an educated investor to ensure that optimal results are achieved.   

But everyone's scenario is unique and you definitely want to consult a good CPA.

I don't believe that SmartMove incorporates the rental application - they just provide the credit/background check.I agree it's easiest on the renter to not have to create an account prior to applying and I'd certainly recommend using a service that has both the application and the background check - this saves you from having to re-enter information, etc.Our service is unique in that it does not require a tenant to create an account to apply to the property (and does have integrated tenant screening). 

I am in a unique situation where we can purchase SFR with cash.

I suspect there are no duplex to quad in the area.I understand you want to get started in RE investing.You are willing to house hack but your wife wants to stay in the current location and likely does not want to have someone living attached or in your home.You are at a unique point in time where a new opportunity exists for you to be able to both stay in your current area and start your RE investing via a house hack. 

The 2 most common themes on this website are how to start wholesaling, followed by how to find an investor friendly agent; someone to put in hundreds of offers for properties the "investor" couldn't afford to buy even if one did get accepted. 

I've always wondered if I should establish a policy requiring lease signers to have their own unique email address but, to be honest, I've only got a single property doing it this way, and they've been in the unit for 4 or 5 years. 

Its a southern town with its own unique atmosphere. 

Both cities have their own unique economy, location, and housing market.

Look at all the different hotels brands and how each has its own unique identity.