Welcome to BiggerPockets and congratulations on doing the work.We do not invest in Lafayette, but love to talk real estate and connect with good people.Happy to help and share any successes, failures, and our preferred tools tips tricks reads and resources. 

If you go the self-managing route (highly recommended to save 25-40% of gross revenues), below are important points to know about self-managing STRs:Research local regulations to figure out what you need to do to have a legal STRResearch properties near yours on Rabbu or Airbnb to figure out what amenities sell and what you can add to stand outHire a professional photographerImplement a pricing tool like Wheelhouse, Pricelabs, or Beyond Pricing.

@Justin Johnson I’ve been working with CRM Properties in Kokomo.

Add them to some type of CRM or other contact management system, and create follow up tasks for yourself to stay in touch. 

I haven't purchased a subscription yet and am utilizing the tools available with a free account.

Since you were in the military, you have access to the VA home loan.That is a great tool that investors use.

The site has quite a few tools that can be helpful for new members.

Google Earth has a ruler tool.

It's a great screening tool. ;)

The biggest tool to track expenses is to have a credit card and bank account for the business and run everything through those accounts.