Then, narrow down from there and reach out to an investor-friendly agent you can find on the BP agent finder. 

Investors should be extremely cautious with Qualified Intermediaries that also represent (and get paid on) replacement property solutions or Qualified Intermediaries that refer clients to their "associates" or "friends" for replacement property solutions so that they can get paid a referral fee or those that actively put replacement property solutions together in order to make money.  

Further, I as a matter of course, place a “friendly” lien on all properties I buy for cash, so there was little equity in the condo.  

As they mention one of the best solutions is to make sure water does not flow toward the foundation it should flow away from it for many reasons structurally but water is not your friend.

I am interested in looking at out of state investment opportunities as the high cost of living in NJ really does make it very investor friendly at the moment. 

2) what are the basics of setting up this sfr so it’s Airbnb friendly as in getting security cameras, keyless entry, etc?

The beauty is, you can rinse and repeat, moving your equity up the ladder of properties, from a small duplex in Austin to a bigger aprtment complex in San Antonio, or even pivot into a promising commercial spot right here in the Phoenix area.I remember a friend of mine who started off nervous as heck about his first exchange.

Renting to people that aren't friends can be great, but also, one tenant can make everyone's lives miserable, so that's why I start with short leases in the beginning. 

Please suggest if you think any other budget friendly ideas.

But this is for ski in/out and guests tend to prefer more eco-friendly, etc. products.