I'm actually in the exact same boat as I'm looking at 5+ units in the Bay Area and still in the early stages.Regarding it being too simple - I think this perspective is a great one on the forced appreciation model within a seller's market: Trust that there are others who are trying to do exactly what you are, and that gets factored into people bidding up the purchase price and the compressed cap rates.

Even though I didn't have firsthand experience with the new company, I was comfortable with the business model.  

Like with anything else, you have to seek external specialized or professional help if this is not something you have personal proficiency or expertise with, 

When I first started investing passively in real estate through the syndication model, I was asked if I was an accredited investor or just a sophisticated investor.

It's a really exciting turn-key-esque model.

One bit of advice is to find someone who already has what you’d like to achieve and  tag along with them to show you their path (one option amongst many, but at least it’s a proven model).

I've heard good things about the Niagara Stealth toilets (0.8 GPF) but am curious on other models/brands of shower heads and aerators you use in your properties to knock your water bill down?

There are plenty of Walmart CPAs out there but they won't have the expertise, experience or risk appetite of a real estate specific CPA.

Short term rental is not my expertise and understand it may not be as passive as traditional rental; I'd like to give STR a try but if it doesn't work I wonder what the potential for long term is?

Thank you all for your input and expertise.