If not from CT and there's any networking events or groups online - id love to hear which groups you recommend/ webinars . lastly, any advice on how to properly approach investing professionals as a beginner - would be greatly appreciated. 

I am learning a lot from BP on how to set up a property management system to begin learning the proper way to structure a rental property portfolio. 

If you buy in the proper STR areas there is practically zero regulation risk. 

I’ve been on the hunt for properties and finally found a couple that I’m seriously thinking about making an offer on. 🎉 I’m still finalizing things with my lender, but before I move forward, I want to be 100% sure I’m covering all the key steps.Here’s the checklist I’ve put together so far:Home inspection – to catch any hidden issues.Appraisal – to confirm the property’s value matches the offer.Financing contingency – securing my loan approval without surprises.Title search – ensuring there are no liens or legal issues.Seller disclosures – reviewing any known problems upfront.Neighborhood research – making sure the area fits my investment goals.Are there any crucial steps I’m missing or anything you think I should focus on more?

or is there a more proper approach you would recommend?

Might not be easy but it has been done with proper permits here in the neighborhood.

So the play was these fellows would hunt down who lost the house get them to sign a deed over to them for say 500.00 then they would sell this deed for say 5 to 10k and sometimes much more there buy extingishing the redemption rights and the bidder could start right away on rehab etc.. its was just a cash for keys grab..  

If  you are in the 20% range, you are better off going to the casino and putting all of your money on black and seeing what happnes.Since you are out of the area properly calculating cash on cash returns can be difficult because you have variable expenses to calculate. 

The property is 20 mins from San Diego proper and 30 from the beach.

As for the gift for the down payment, it's generally allowed, but it must be properly documented as a gift letter to the lender.