My personal opinion is that a shower door is nicer, but wondering if that's going to create maintenance headaches later. 

I started investing about 8 years ago personally, then decided to become a professional a few years ago. 

I don't personally utilize this strategy, but many other people do so successfully so you might look into that.

House hacking will also give you some personal "property management" experience.

This question has at least 2 major facets:   1) you personally own the property (or maybe through an LLC)  and 2)  Your 401k owns the property being rented.   

Welcome welcome, I recommend joining up with some local rest estate groups to network with in person and Facebook groups for investors, buy/sell, contractors, etc. to just be in the mix and see who is out there making deals and opportunities.

As that will at least help folks that you reach out to know that you are a real person, with a picture and professional bio.

Merely my personal opinion, no.

I don't know your personal situation, goals and motivation. 

The bank/lender who is selling wants the proof of funds as a bank statement with the exact name of the person on the contract.