If you buy in the proper STR areas there is practically zero regulation risk. 

Are we approach close over the next month, and in the time after, what are some best practices for us to consider?

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

Connecting with local real estate investor groups, attending meetups and conferences, either in person or online, can give you advice + support as well!

Practice regularly so your muscles are strong and fast.

My area of practice in the legal realm is trust formation for businesses and individuals.

Basically you need to know what you are doing in DM or Online for it to work, otherwise, you will spend thousands of dollars without success@Jonathan Krauser.

As mentioned no need to hire a private investigator just use an online service to do a background check.

Check out other online guides available here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides3.

Unfortunately most have made lifestyle changes relying on checks that will never be cashed but can't fault the inexperienced investors with the amount of materials online, social media etc. where coaches, mentors and gurus share the ease in which they generated massive wealth in these neighborhoods.