I think it would be a really great conversation.

Or maybe they will share an electronic copy of their inspection results with pictures and that would suffice.I don't allow Landlords to inspect the property on their own because they often get into conversations with the Tenants that cause damage.

I’m actively investing in Austin (mostly paper) and would love to be apart of group conversation.

Another issue that can be problematic and costly, are changes to floor plans that have been made to a home over decades, especially "conversions" where a large home is cut up into 3, 4 or more separate units, with kitchens and baths added for each, and often fireplaces blocked off or removed.

As @Michael Baum said, you don't need a contractor who specializes in airbnb conversions.

Conversely, you will run into people on your list that just seem to be a waste of time, so you’ll want to avoid them.

Now I am actively searching for properties, getting the wholesale emails everyday and one caught my eye and I contacted the wholesaler and have started the conversation which come to find out I have spoken to him before with another investor and he remembers our conversation and "has heard good things about me".

Every conversation we have seems to lead to an excuse for not being able to pay or a new issue that has popped up.

So, pros and cons, but as a longterm investment, little has as strong a track record as publicly traded stocks.Just injecting a balanced perspective into the (rightly) real-estate-favoring conversation!

Just have a relaxed conversation.