That is certainly true with property management best practices as your lease documents inevitably becomes a response to all of the mistakes that you make with tenants over the years. 

You would have to meet REPS (real estate professional status) to turn your MTR to non-passive to offset other non-passive income.If the average stay per guest is 7 days or less, then we're talking about the STR tax strategy, and therefore REPS requirements would not be necessary.

My wife is a stay-at-home mom but handles leasing, tenant issues, repairs—basically runs the rentals.We’re exploring if she can qualify for Real Estate Professional Status to offset my W2 income.

Do not try to qualify as a real estate professional with a w2.

That said, purely out of professional curiosity, may I ask what you're hoping to learn in the academy?

I have been investing out there for several years, but am now looking for true partnership of boots on the ground to do light rehabs for my fix and hold strategies.

If it sounds too good to be true, probably it is. 

That’ll guide your strategy.Start small and simple: Many new investors begin with a turnkey single-family rental - already rehabbed, tenanted, and professionally managed.

why is it too good to be true you might get some replys if you post specifically why you think its to good to be true.

This will give you the info on if it is a good place to continue looking deeper and setting up a time to fly out to meet some professionals in that area (agents, PMs, contractors).