I have personally been involved in house hacking and furnished rentals for over five years, and it's been fascinating to see the quality of mid-term tenants we've had over the years.However, it's worth noting that in our area, the demand for short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO has declined in the past 24 months.

I know there does not seem to be a strong presence on BP for people in the New River Valley area (Pulaski, Radford, Blacksburg, Roanoke) but I would like to try and get some type of networking event going (either in person or in an online group). 

I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, and if you give me a penny for my thoughts you'll get change back, but I grew up in Texas and we're grass fed on personal responsibility down here, so... 

Does it matter if I keep the rents in my personal accounts?

If anyone is on a tight deadline, I would definite suggest going down in person.

Personally we have had great experience so far.

It's your property and investment.Of course you don't want the maintenance person taking your $300 set of a steak knifes.  

Did the pest control person seem to indicate an infestation? 

A DSCR loan, or Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan, is underwritten to the property income instead of your personal income/taxes/debts.

House hacking will also give you some personal "property management" experience.