Talk to your tax advisor about how to release your passive activity losses based on your situation.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

One key tip as you begin is to connect with local investors who are active in the markets you're considering.

I would do this first before engaging an agent unless you are extremely active.

Active?

Since Joe is not a registered lender, Joe is not held to the same standards as a lender and the sale could be a wreckless and poor activity by the bank putting Bob in that situation.

In 2019 i only had handful of unbooked nights for the year and the area was active the entire year (there was no huge off season).  

The process is very involved as you'll have to navigate pre-construction activities that involve architectural plans and approval from the city and then the construction activities (Shovel to soil) take anywhere from 5-9 months depending on how much your building. 

Most serious and qualified tenants are searching on the major 3rd party platforms you mentioned + realtor.com, redfin, and a few others.Apartments.com & homes.com are owned by the same company and may offer some additional marketing options.Another strategy to consider here is social media - video marketing.

It is NOT like what social media or influencers try to paint, it's hard work. 

I am long but I also do fix and flips actively and consistently.