So, for anyone who is further along in their journey that came across a book or content that was helpful to developing these skills, please drop a comment!

Everything I had read and heard was that I should protect myself by having them in LLCs but I didn't realize I couldn't get a HELOC after (which many investors say in their books/podcasts that they use to leverage into more properties)

Yup this is right out of the Sub Too guys play book. 

Then the tenant will rant a bunch of nonsense, have no evidence to back up his stories, and the judge will find in your favor based on the evidence provided by you.For future tenants, I highly recommend you read a book like mine or "Every Landlord's Legal Guide" by NOLO.

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There's a lot of tips on how to do that exactly in Avery Carl's book, Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth. 

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

I'm not sure if that is because they are considering it lots of little repairs so it doesn't fall within the guide line or what.  

We had a mentor guide us through the process.

So prompt responses to inquiries generally get the bookings.