The program is neither good nor bad, there's just different pros & cons compared to cash paying tenants.Have offered to schedule a call with you numerous times to try and assist you, but you seem to prefer posting & posting & posting - which will take so much longer:(What are the chances you'll actually invest someday, given how long it's taking you to do basic research?

If you are paying cash for the STR this seems pretty easy. 

The tenants began pay rent on time, but then payments began coming in late, then half, then partial, then none.

I am just starting out with a STR and found that VRBO is not very specific if they are collecting the tax and paying it to the State as a marketplace facilitator or am I responsible for this tax collection and payment ?

Post back if you find another lender who serves you well, and I will add them to my list and pay it forward.Ridge Lending All in One, first position HELOCAmericafirst 80% LTV on noo 65% LTV UtahArvest Bank AR, OK, AL, MO Bank of the west BB&T will loan on a rental portfolioBBVA Compass Boeing employee credit union California: Cal Coast Credit Union and Fremont Bank.

Are there specific market indicators or property traits I should be paying attention to?

You could also get a line of credit for about $150k (you should be able to borrow 75% of the value.)The reason I suggest this is…1) you save $40-$60k in selling costs. 2) you have a lower blended interest rate (2/3rds at 3.25% and 1/3rd at 7 or 8% instead of the whole $500k at 7 or 8%) saving you another $1k/mo in interest. 3) you only pay interest on that $150k when you actually use it, not from day 1  Unless you hate this property, or want to buy something you can’t afford without selling, that would be my plan.

I was also lucky to get someone who I could pay to show a house or open up a unit for a handyman. 

The borrower gets the benefit of having access to capital fast and the lender gets the benefit of charging a higher interest rate and not having to pay taxes on the profit.

Maybe that is why the old owner didn't pay their taxes?