I’m local and happy to connect if we can help. 

Would definitely check local zoning / code enforcement laws as well.  

@Nick D.We are local to the area, I'm from Springfield MA.

I am going to see if I can switch to a local Wisconsin insurance that reflects our local risk level in their premiums.Many of the homes in the Pacific Palisades are 3-5 million, but when you look on Google Street View, most are very modest homes from the 1960s (there are some $20m ultra luxury mansions too), so a lot is the land value, the home replacement value on a 1600sqft may be what - 500k at the most?

Should I have my local friends stay in the Airbnb and give me reviews so that I can get the ball rolling? 

You need a local/state specific lease.2.

If so, self-managing properties might not be the best use of your time - In any case, I'd encourage you to talk to multiple local property management companies, keep the above in mind, and understand how they approach management.In my experience, property management isn’t just about finding the right tenant or collecting rent—especially in a tenant-friendly state like Rhode Island.

I’d love to connect with local investors and agents and, further down the line, with contractors when we’re ready to take the next steps.Looking forward to connecting and learning from everyone here!

And don’t sleep on local banks or credit unions—they sometimes offer flexible portfolio loans that could work for a deal like this.Since your wife qualifies as a first-time homebuyer, check out any state-specific programs or HUD options for down payment assistance.

@Dan Geffen moved down there and knows the area well if you want to connect with a local investor.