He and I have been discussing this since we discovered the idea independently and realized we have a similar goal. 

I realized this again when we had a traveler cancel her lease about a week before moving in.

I realize that there are variables from market to market and property to property that could make VRBO more effective for a given property, but my understanding is that in general Airbnb bookings get out to such a dominant start in regard to percentage of the bookings, that VRBO and other lesser OTAs have trouble catching up.

By this time, I realized Chris was wholesaling the house to me (unlike the other houses on the tour) and charging me to manage the project.

Eventually I realized that you really just need to look for a deal that fits your criteria.

I didn't realize that Bigger Pockets did that much vetting-- thanks again

A friend of mine, Ryan, who invests heavily in Baltimore, realized his interest costs were eating into his cash flow.

Again, large commitment of time, patience, and ability needed.The amateur of “semi pro” investor should realize that the professional investors (such as myself) spend ALL DAY EVERY DAY doing the above.  

I mean if a seller has any real estate knowledge at all isn’t he going to realize that earnest money that is returnable to the buyer for any reason at all at any time isn’t really earnest money?  

There is realized gains & profits, and UN-realized gains and profits.