I would also try especially in the beginning at least quarterly to complete some routine maintenance and make sure the house is being taken care of properly. 

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

We are just looking for the best option to get started properly!

You are relying on guests to properly build and control a fire.There is no way I would expect guests to be making a fire and keeping in in control.If you are in the Rocky Mountain west, fire danger is a real thing and one stray spark from some green wood popping could create a wild fire.

A realtor's job is to properly advise you.

Lastly, the proper way to leverage an investor-agent/professional investor is to make them your acquisition and sales specialist.

,To piggyback off what @Michael S. said, you’ll find it pretty difficult to find a decent property in Huntsville proper on a $250,000 budget.Don’t worry, though—in nearby suburbs, your budget will work fine.

I always make tenant do it as a hand off a property and recommend they do it on move in day while they are there to react if something goes wrong, having a water key nearby.  

The cities in Coachella have definitely became more strict with local regulations, but it’s definitely still possible to run a successful STR if you run a tight ship and set proper expectations with guests before they book.

2- IF only $30K is labeled & considered OPTION CONSIDERATION funds paid for the OPTION (thus Not immediately taxable)     What do you call or or would be a proper way to DESIGNATE the other $30K in funds given to the Property Seller?