And they have empty lots, so they essentially control the supply of homes and could flex their muscle to keep us from filling our lots.

Don't worry...study, relax, pass!

My advice is: relax!

I try to spend the summers up there myself - it's just really special with great local bakeries/farms/foods, total relaxation with waterfalls and mountains and art/music festivals.Notes for all - You can easily check Airbnb to see what people are charging in any area and see their calendars to see how booked they are.  

You have to get sellers to relax and tell you their problems and then you have to help them see that you have a solution.

Walk through the woods, go to the stream, garden, watch wildlife.... just relax. 

@Americo MadeiraI'm relaxed already, just reading your post:)Welcome to BP!  

Sit down relax and absorb all the information you can here.

Relax and move forward. if you have time consider spending 30 minutes for 30 consecutive days on Bigger Pockets.

Relax and just be honest, letting  them know that you are just starting  out and what kind of investments interest you.A lot of people put so much emphasis on the cards but thats not what matters the most.