I also wrapped in some basic analytics like rental days/goal days, average booked rental rate, average rented days, etc.And I included some very simple reminders to let me know when to change air filters, smoke detector batteries, things like that.I couldn't rely on syncing Airbnb and VRBO/Homeaway calendars using the tools that either company provided so I just rolled my own. 

That said I rely on the home inspection and if anything turns up further discovery.

I can tell you should not rely on any one particular source of reviews, etc for doing your due diligence or locating companies that are good to work with.  

I mainly want to build a good asset early and have some type of cashflow so I can eventually accumulate more wealth and not just be relying on one job to keep me financially stable.

I have a location concentration risk.)I have separate savings that can keep me running effectively indefinitely, but I don't want to rely on that. 

I am not relying on the future appreciation either.

Don't rely on verbal information!

Next rely on hard money.

To determine what the property is worth post renovations, you'll want to mostly rely on sales comps.

Just buying without renting means you rely 100% on a very significant rise in value that may or may not happen.