For stand-alone houses with yards, I tend to either offer landscaping and grass cutting services as part of the rent, or I install solar powered cameras (connected to the resident's Wifi) that allows remote monitoring of the exterior - if they are handling their own lawncare.

Proper recordkeeping not only supports compliance with IRS requirements but also strengthens your position in the event of an audit.This is unfortunately incorrect. 

We're in the process of setting up our LLC and drafted a partnership agreement ourselves to outline our roles, responsibilities, and profit splits.I recently spoke with a real estate attorney who said our "partnership agreement" is actually an operating agreement and that a proper, sound agreement would be 70+ pages.

You MUST have a correct STR policy specific to short term rentals.Check out Proper (expensive), CBIZ and Foremost (very popular here) to get some quotes. 

Also open to tips on how to figure out if a location is a good fit and how to run the numbers properly.

For example, installing plumbing systems in new buildings, remodeling existing structures, or working on commercial developments directly contributes to real property projects and thus counts toward REPS eligibility.Operating the Plumbing Company as an OwnerOperating a plumbing company as an owner may qualify as a real property trade or business, but only to the extent that your activities are directly tied to real property projects.

Check with a local agent in VA to be sure you’re properly covered.Let’s all connect and learn from each other

I’ll keep that in mind as I work through setting up the proper channels and foundation of this new venture. 

I took all of July and painted everything, cleaned, installed new ceiling fans (all work I can and did do myself).  

Installed roof on outbuilding.