What makes you say gators are unprofessional?

I partnered with an experienced STR agent, Troy Nowak, and purchased my first short-term rental in Palm Harbor at the height of the real estate frenzy, navigating fierce competition and ultimately overcoming What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Couple questions for you, as I am an agent and aspiring investor.

Use a buyer's agent that knows the market, contracts, negotiations, etc.If you really want to learn about investing, get a job in property management. 

Based on what my real estate agent thinks that this quote will be, roughly, and the after repair value, it looks like I could buy this property in cash, spend a month or two fixing the damage, and then put a mortgage for roughly 1.6x what I paid for it and thus have a cash flowing property at a few hundred dollars per month and a little more money in my bank account ready for a down payment on the next deal.

Just ask your real estate agent if they own any rental properties.     

Reach out to real estate agents that specialize working with investors. 

Well, we get here and his agent is telling my agent it will be another month for another court date that will allow him to sell the property.

Networking with Canadians who’ve invested in the U.S. and finding good local agents or property managers will also help a lot.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?