I have no more headaches, there is an umbrella policy for the properties, and I can buy more properties with the cash flow without anymore personal money.

Having not read any responses but.If homeowners houseis that bad. 

If a buyer has good credit he can get a personal loan to buy a property, and hence “nothing down”.  

I will say that if you get some ducks in a row, things like a good cleaner, handy person etc, you could manage from farther away if you find a deal or area you are interested in.

Our handyman saw the home a couple weeks ago and said they’ve not taken care of the yard (stated in the lease, it is their responsibility), but the home itself looked okay.

This is just my personal opinion and how I would deploy your capital in RE.

We took this approach because even though the house is an STR it is also one we want to use as a family a couple times per year, and we feel we have our own personality as hosts, so we were particular about what we wanted. 

I personally found I’m good at it if it’s a simple job, normal easy walls, but hire out if its 2-story height, painting cabinetry, wood windows etc as they are a all a big pain.

I gave them a lease in person to review and sign (I gave them the lease first as they mostly speak Spanish and the lease is in English, so I wanted to give them the time to read it).

But it's tough work and doesn't always pay off.I personally think the big profit is in new development or a project.So, I'm wondering: Is starting something new a better bet?