@Dave Tasset I haven't personally invested with this company but have heard good things about then. 7e Investments, Chris posts frequently on BP.

Personally I like the Section 8 program when the property is located in a super poor area with a ton of blight and crime.

Just my personal opinion - get a mentor or a person who already has good experience running STR business, preferably in your area (but not 100% required). 

I have known and worked with Matt for years.I have attended his training and hired him as a consultant.He is hands down the best at what he does.I have personally raised over $50 million for my hard money lending company.I am grateful for a lot of people who helping me with this success and Matt is at or near the top of that list.

Personal finance is as much behavioral as it is math.

And always check social media for red flags and I agree with Vince, always meet a person.  

Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.

So PLEASE don’t make another huge financial decision and then tell that same person after you do it.

I'm going to exclude my personal residence from this because I don't view this as an investment, I need a place to live.Excluding my primary residence my current breakdown is 47% real estate 53% stocks/cash. 

@Jason Weidmannit's only solid if:1) you pick a market that you can go to in person and build a team first, and 2) you recognize that RE is a long-term investment, and you may have to wait 5-10 years, or longer, before seeing ANY return.