I feel as if it's a great way to start but not always the best option as you grow and get better deals through connections.

Another option is to invest in the market instead of paying down a mortgage.

Or perhaps I am not considering other options, so I am seeking help from this wonderful community.

In the mean time we're looking at other STR and BRRRR options in Oregon and Washington. 

A quick google search of your state indicates the following regaridng timeline to give notice:30 daysFor tenants who have lived in the property for less than one year, or have a lease for less than one year60 daysFor tenants who have lived in the property for more than one year but less than two years, or have a lease for more than one year but less than two years90 daysFor tenants who have lived in the property for more than two years, or have a lease for at least two yearsI'd definitely touch base with an eviction attorney in your state to ensure you are not missing any steps and to have the attorney as a backup option in case the tenant does not vacate easily.

While flips don’t usually qualify for 1031 exchanges, holding a property as a rental first might open this option.

Would this be better to try and go through a local bank or is there good options for private money or other banks that specialize in this?

I am also interested in the MTR and LTR market as an option.

Lesson learned: Always think of a Plan B in case renting isn’t an option anymore.

If you are using a third-party site to conduct the background checks, sometimes they have the option to send a person, a denial letter, and due to the fair credit act it may be required to send them a notice, informing them that you checked their credit and background so that they have a receipt that it was completed.