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 ?

These companies invest for long term growth.Here's why exploring these options could be a win:Less competition: Fewer investors might mean you snag a better deal.High growth potential: Up-and-coming areas can offer excellent appreciation alongside decent cash flow.Unique opportunities: Discover niche markets with specific tenant needs, like student rentals or corporate relocation hotspots. 

You need to provide a bit more specifics about the property, about the insights you want, etc.  

The tax advantages of buying/holding gas stations are pretty great.Many of the components of gas stations including pumps, tanks, external parking areas, and other equipment are classified as either 5 or 15 year property so you can bonus depreciate a lot of it (minus the land value) and get significant deductions in year 1.With the 2025 bonus depreciation rate at 40%, a $1 million gas station acquisition could still lead to $100K+ in year 1 deductions depending on the specifics of your deal.

Are there specific factors you look for in an area to make sure it’s a good fit for this type of rental setup?

@Aishan Gonaduwage what specifically have you read, and how OLD was it, about Detroit being on the decline?

Would you share 3 specific things I should do during my "training period" (if it includes a book, which one)?

That is going to be the best way to meet others in the industry from that market. 

@Tom OchiengI would reach out to a real estate attorney for specific advice on this situation since you already have one tenant who is being difficult.On a side note, when I have inherited tenants, I have been most successful when I have provided longer non-renewal notices, like 60-90 days, and offered to assist with moving costs.

This sort of thing is market specific.