I know for a couple of my STRs the management company uses the keypad system whereby they are able to set codes offsite for each renter and this is super helpful when working correctly.

It may be something you find helpful: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/2014-11-12-3-tips-for-who...

I'm leaning more towards flips for my first few deals just to help create more liquid cash in my account.

A homestead usually helps with lowering taxable value, but it's kind of screwing me over in this situation.

Learning about the seller's approach and way of thinking can help you make your negotiation plan more effective.Every seller in the real estate market is different, just like every person is different.

Then you're able to put in a city or zip code and then a radius that you'd like to search within.Hopefully this helps!

I was able to take a loan on my 401k to help pay down our house, but I was recently fully disabled so there wasn't any penalties for us.Get a good CPA and get started.Plus you could always wait a bit and not move on any more properties until you get all this under control.

If anyone has any information regarding this, help would be appreciated. 

Upon talking to them about being timely with their rent as their rent payments helped to pay the mortgage...

It is all about your broker, pm, and the trust you have with that team that can really help.