However, the down side to that is a larger down payment which you can't use on other potential deals. 

TIC's might be an option if you like larger assets

We could just see higher inflation rates, a steadily raising interest rate from the fed, and a bump in unemployment and the feds taking a larger market share of the working economy by paying more peoples rent, that is the best case scenario outlook for the next year or two.

As a rule of thumb, larger homes and better locations are much more valuable in the STR game, but they cost more since they are worth more in the real estate game in general.

If there are any other real estate investors with units in this neighborhood with an opinion on good handyman in the area for smaller tasks (minor plumbing issues like toilets, small repairs, etc.)

Higher interest rate and larger down payment. 

And then form a master to-do list for the day pulling the most important tasks from each.

For tasks like assembling furniture, I'd recommend Fiverr or TaskRabbit.

I have heard similar stories from other folks on how some mgmt companies are offering lower fees, but at the end of the day, a lot of nickel and dime stuff gets added back into the mix and that 20% fee becomes a lot larger.

Then the license will benefit you by able to see homes ASAP, having larger access to off market or pre-market listings, etc.