Elmo area but can't find much info online about where I can buy and operate. 

We do have a meeting with a local broker/real estate agent next week but thought it would be best to jump on line and take a look at some local properties and if nothing else practice our valuation process.

Some areas may have restrictions that could complicate things, particularly around who can provide alcohol and to whom.If wine isn't an option, you could consider alternatives that are still local and personal, like a handcrafted bottle of olive oil from a local farm or even a basket of locally sourced snacks.

Thank you for tip on estimating costs, I tried to estimate about 20% higher than what i could find for pricing online, just in case. but going of your 50% higher estimate on costs, it sounds like a good idea to have a little extra padding on the repairs. 

If she means October's rent, then you will prorate it for the number of days she's there, but she must pay up front.She was given instructions on what to do when it was only restricted to one small piece of furniture and when there was no evidence of it anywhere but on those two pieces of furniture and I'm guessing she didn't do anything AND she kept the furniture with the mold on it allowing it to spread.

Also, local real estate agents can also be a goldmine for off-market deals since they often hear about them before anyone else.As for property management, researching and looking at online reviews are a good start, but a real insider tip?

Keep saving, learning about the BRRRR strategy, and start networking with local investors or online groups.

This way, you’re not at risk of losing all your hard-earned feedback and visibility, which could set you back in the competitive short-term rental market.It's essential to find a PM who can work with you in this setup, as it's a balance between functionality and maintaining your property’s reputation online.

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

They have monthly online and in person meetings for new investors and landlords.