Then again, as an STR I'm not sure that matters as much because you're not selling the home, you're renting to vacationers so that shouldn't be as affected. 

A tough thing we've found though (like you mentioned) is even the highly rated foundation folks in our area -- as well as a lot of the content online -- all have a strong incentive to sell big high-margin solutions.

Though I appreciate the idea of finding online resources and studying them, I find that a curated, tried and true formula (if it works) is much more worth my time than spending time trying to find which resource works best and then spitballing the ideas until something sticks. 

That's what I've heard from others and read online as well.

You can find different strategies on how to find and reach these folks, such as driving for dollars, targeting mailing lists, networking with Realtors and other wholesalers, and having an online presence, plus paid social media ads, etc.

check the local municipal code, most are online.

The use of online classes has been increasing every year and are projected to continue to increase.

. ;-)Doesn't matter though.

(I have read that CA likes to have their cake and eat it too by claiming any part of the chain of money/business no matter how small).2.

Check out the free content online of Bill Faeth.