They may claim that the mold was negligent on your part as the landlord to adequately maintain the property from moisture coming in. 

As a 1st timer, after you have calculated all the expenses you think you will have, add $5-10k and then another 10%.

How do you maintain it?

You will then have the knowledge and skill to maintain and properly analyze real estate.Save Your Money!!!

. , i just saw a post from a structural engineer from KC... sounds like a pain to maintain if this is going to be a rental."

I think you would have some less long term wear and tear and constant cleaning on an STR which should maintain their property well.

Mostly all the homes are dilapidated/abandoned or poorly maintained with low income rentals.

Personally, I prefer to own. having a large company own and maintain it leaves the owner with very little income. 

It is just more to maintain and keep up.

And if tenants don't want it, you now have to remove everything and store it for next tenant. in two years when next tenant moves in and tries to rent it from you, its now obsolete. only way I see it working is if you rent large items, and have a very large portfolio to sustain it, and have personnel to maintain the items. that's with no research into the matter though, just my initial thoughts.