More importantly, depreciation isn’t free — it’s effectively a loan, because the IRS requires recapture when the property is sold, leading to significant tax liabilities that offset earlier savings.

That's the most effective way.

Or just have this endowment effect which is meaningless and if it every pays you will take forever!

So, if you want to keep the exchange fully tax-deferred, you’d need to roll the entire $280k into the replacement property.Here’s a potential workaround: If you have other cash on hand, you could use that to cover the $30k elsewhere in your finances after closing the exchange, effectively “replacing” what you spent without touching the sale proceeds.

A lot of hosts in your situation use platforms like OwnerRez, Hospitality, or Lodgify they’re a bit more cost-effective and easier to manage for a single listing.

But if you want to be successful in RE, you're going to need to work on building that sphere as big as possible, as quickly as possible and that usually means engaging people on a daily basis.

You'll need an effective lease and somewhat enhanced tenant screening to find an ideal tenant.

Any beginner-friendly tips for managing properties effectively?

Some of the language they use is to the effect “there’s not much left to do” but would depend. 

Give updates on properties you’ve looked at or analyzed to keep your audience engaged, so when they stumble upon a potential situation, you are the first one they think of.Good luck!