Airbnb is just one way of getting MTR bookings.

I am wondering if anyone would recommend any real estate investing courses, podcasts, books, or any other educational material that has helped them in their own career? 

@Dave Charron, just a guess but perhaps the company wasn't properly insured or the guy wasn't an on the books employee and also the company probably has no suitable assets that can be sold off to collect against them. 

Nothing different than Brandon Turner's "No money down" book I guess...Concepts definitely aren't new and 95% of deals still require some cash, but just like Brandon Turner's book it simply lays out some alternative options to your standard "go get a loan from the bank" buying/selling real estate methods.

Any advice or insight would be appreciated before I lawyer up and book my flight to AZ!

This is the internet, so it's forever, and you're looking like a damn fool.I am an open book.

I have been studying up on books, listening to the BP podcasts and working on building relationships and letting people know that I am into REI. 

I understand there is also property management software that combines ACH payment capabilities with feature with basic book keeping features, perhaps work orders/repair requests, document(lease) archives, leasing/listing features? 

Start with education - Read books, join local investor groups & find a mentor.

I've been reading through the Self-Managing Landlord book from BP and the chapter I've found the most useful is "Creating Your Tech Stack."