I have my eyes set on a plot of land near my home where there is high income and significant traffic in a rapidly growing area in Cedar Park, Texas (north of Austin). 

Tell them that you are serious about running a quality STR and to have them call you at the first sign of problems.That will give them some peace of mind and have a way to get a hold of you instead of calling the cops.

Make sure you understand the basic math, what qualifies as a good investment, how to manage your investment and prevent losses, etc.I would start with Set For Life by Scott Trench.

If you are set on prioritizing the BRRRR and cash flow you need to find a different market, but perhaps you are already in a Market A equivalent and there's an opportunity you're not even aware of. 

Two weeks later, the client locked down a deal that appraised well above their initial projections.If you’re serious about pushing your boundaries..maybe setting your sights on Chicago’s undervalued neighborhoods or San Antonio’s quieter pockets..let’s talk.

For me, I would fix it now so its one less thing i have to worry about - but if the $25k would set you back a lot, then many would wait.

I would just go ahead and pay him the $2,000 and get it in writing that he will not pursue you going forward and then set better systems & expectations in place to avoid this problem in the future, lesson learned.

The trust has already been set up for estate planning and we are beginning to fund the trust.

Your first deal will set the tone for your investing journey, so:•Make sure you’re getting good guidance.

I would set up a family trust, if you have a ton of equity maybe you refi the properties into an LLC but if you are locked in with lower rates then I wouldn't touch the ownership piece yet.