I'm particularly passionate about starting my portfolio and flipping my first house and then finding a couple of rental properties. 

Is this for a rental or flipping to a homeowner?

You might be able to split into 4 rental units. 

How many other vacation rentals does she or he manage?

I learned SO much reading and editing BiggerPockets contributors that I turned around and did a bunch of my own deals — a flip, 2 house hacks, 2 short-term rentals, and one long term.

I'm not sure, but from a who is responsible to who standpoint, since the tenant contracts with you for the rental, you may be responsible to pay the tenant and then get reimbursed from your contractor.

The way it's portrayed online brings too many unethical people into the business, giving the good ones a bad reputation.

Needless to say, I explored further by pulling up & printing all information and pics online pertaining to this property & even got in touch with the real estate agent who sold my friend this house to find out some info about the Granny unit I live in & if it was truly built without a permit.

Hey Ammar,Yes, you are correct that owning and actively managing rental properties can qualify you for real estate professional status (REPS) under IRS rules.

I have found them online but you might have to search as they're usually accessible only to realtors.