Should have done cash-for-keys with the occupant.

There are "turn key section 8" operators in Alabama that market to do all of the due diligence for you and you never even have to see the properties! 

A good team (agent, contractor, lender) is also going to be key.

Typically, crime is going to be present in a lot of the areas where #'s make sense, but the key is making sure the house you are buying does not have obvious crime ridden houses in the immediate area.

Networking is key in real estate, and there are plenty of investors here who can share local insights and opportunities.

(probably the biggest key).

The key is to accurately reflect the type of income/expenses and the timing of everything.

Sorry to say so after the fact, but you need to learn some landlording basics.Never give the keys to anyone without a proper signed lease. 

There’s a lot of opportunity locally, but one of the 3 keys to success in STR investing is having enough cash to do them properly.  

The key is balancing cost with the value of your time—both approaches can work, depending on your priorities.