I am not positive, but I was told that several times.There are  only a few very important things most investors don't have they are very critical.

Smart locks on STRs are kind of critical.

Given the fact that buy-n-hold remodel crosses over with a remodel flip, I want to benefit by educating myself now.I'm a very hands on person although I won't be doing any of the work I also don't believe in handing over and not knowing what's going on at each critical step.As you said, it's good have all the thoughts of what material will be used and just do the planning.

Would you say it's critical to pay for a course from Seth or another educator or can I put the pieces together on my own?  

And yes, ultimately hiring people.In my opinion the first and the most critical hire you can have is someone to make out bound calls for you. 

I agree, protection is critical, but I argue that a well crafted landlord policy with the highest amount of liability coverage, followed up by an appropriately sized umbrella policy is just as good in some cases better protection.

I have a lot of skills to offer as I manage four retail stores that net >$1M per month in sales, hire/screen candidates weekly, have excellent critical conversation/confrontational skills, and I am the personnel leader for more than 100 employees.

Having a backup plan and backup plan to the backup plan is critical to running our businesses.

I know I didn't give you a direct answer on anything, but hopefully this will at least help you and your partners think critically as you decide how to move forward. 

Location is key with any investment but even more critical with STR's.