My company has worked with many investors in your shoes ready to get out of active management and unlock their trapped equity.

Most Standard companies do not like a Renovation where part of the structure is occupied.   

I know it's been asked & answered many times but since there seem to be so many new companies out there, hoping for an update...Looking for STR management software recommendations, and one of the features I'm particularly interested in is the ability to have instruction guides for the guests for how to work different things in the house.Thanks!

He never showed up this and after trying to reschedule several times I found a new company. 

And yes, the payments are usually handled via a loan servicing company for a minimal fee to the seller. 

@Mohit Arora to gain some piece of mind in this same situation, I drafted a "Holding Deposit Agreement" document that is entered between the potential tenant and I.The purpose is to use the deposit to hold the rental until the lease signing and transition this Holding Deposit to a Security Deposit once the lease is signed and all other move-in funds are collected.You can message me privately and I can send you the doc I drafted.

A partner of mine who worked for a RE development and research company says they regularly used Yimby data for studies. 

What ever you do, don't let anyone talk you into funding EMDs, down payments, or 100% 2nds.

I don't want to go to a company like h&r block, but none of the indie people have reviews or reputations. 

I have the funds for a 3-4 month long VA cold calling campaign.