If you go to some local meetups in your area, you can start building relationships to assist a seasoned investor, learn from them, and then benefit over the long-term.

This method virtually eliminates any risk of having a nightmare tenant and you still have all the benefits of long-term real estate investing.

I choose or exclude investments based on financial cost VS benefit.

Passive investors do not have control of the asset, but, depending on the deal, they receive cash flow, tax benefits, depreciation benefits, and a more "hands-off" way of investing in multifamily real estate.

I'm in California and there is a huge benefit to keeping a property that has appreciated in value due to Prop 13. 

Or can you obtain tax benefits without an LLC?

You can refinance (I would suggest looking at the IRRRL since there needs to be a net tangible benefit to the borrower for this loan to occur) out of a VA loan and restoring your entitlement.

If I can't leave 5 starts for them I typically wiat till the end of the review period and leave my honest, factual feedback for the benefit of other hosts)

Before you sit down and speak to an experienced investor, it would benefit you greatly to do some research here on BP (for free) to learn the lingo, the steps, the formulas, etc.

Google this : can you short term rental with fha loangot this:Because of the benefits that come with FHA loans, they cannot be used for second homes, rental, vacation, or other investment properties.