@Karen Kushner, I recommend getting a spreadsheet or tool or even a bigger pockets subscription to use their calculators for this sort of analysis.

And or I would be talking to a good RE lawyer to understand what liability you might have if you recommend this or don't disclose all the bad things that can happen and your client ends up in a mess. 

From most OOS investors I am speaking to this is where most of the attention is, so be prepared for competition - seems that this forum was revived from the dead but to answer the original question with a few practices you can manage the air-bnb yourself to get higher occupancy, I would recommend educating yourself on tricks for the platform those will make the biggest difference - definitely helps having someone take care of your air-bnb account and for completely hands off investing do that but just previewing/welcoming who comes in can be done remotely in a professional manner I have seen it done in multiple states. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I would recommend starting with a local / smaller lender as they can give you more attention vs a rocket mortgage. 3.

Asking here will only get people to recommend their areas for the most part, but you should do this to determine the best area to invest out-of-state1. make a list of every place you and your wife have ever lived2. make a second list of where you closest friends and family (the ones you like) live3. use those lists to ask questions and review good investment market listsWhen you see something from 3 that is on 1 or 2, that is a good place to start if it fits your budget.

Does anyone have recommendations of a good lender in the area?

Shop around is what my recommendation would be

I would appreciate recommendations.

If you were to switch locations, I would recommend a location that has already dealt with STRs.