I think what you are doing is 'getting into the game' and starting the beginning of the snow ball effect which will pay dividends before you know it.

Goal is to buy a SFM and use for STR in the winter for skiers/snow bunnies.

The shortage of inventory is causing prices to rise, the shortage of lumber and other build materials is causing build costs to rise, and inflation has become a large downhill snow ball. 

I talked to one pretty big one out of FLA the other day and he was trying to snow ball me in saying ya BUT our draw system is very fast LOL..

Or landscaping and snow removal, if that's a thing where you are.Essentially, any cost that affects the day-to-day operations of the property and is necessary to keep the cash flowing is an Operating Expense.

Beyond these, it will depend on property location: you'll need to handle snow for vacant properties &  multifamilies, pools if properties have them, pest treatments in the south, etc.

Some providers simply sell the property and the investor is left to find a management company, maintenance personnel, snow and lawn care providers, etc.

The tenant was responsible for utilities and lawn care / snow removal.

Will we eventually establish roots to either permanently live someplace else or become snow birds?

From weather damage snow is the biggest issue it seems .