It has cost many people including myself a lot of unnecessary money and still is because you deal with the tax portion of opening unnecessary LLCs recommended by supposed professionals. 

To help newer investors get started and learn from other likeminded professionals. 

Readers should seek professional advice.

I actually ended up going through a big career change, and attended a 6-month bootcamp to learn Software Development after 7 years cooking professionally in fine-dining kitchens. 

Also makes it look professional when a potential renter comes to look at it.

Surround yourself with knowledgeable professionals who can support your real estate endeavors.

That said there are some nuances and requirements to property implement interest tracing so ensure you talk to your tax professional ahead of time and keep the funds movement as clean as possible. 

Best way to find end buyers is to ensure it's well marketed - Professional photos, professional clean prior to listing, aggressive list pricing.

Licenses are typically required if you plan to work in a professional real estate role, like as an agent or broker.

You also don't need to do a traditional long term strategy, is there a draw the  area that playing host to a traveling nurse or other professional/student would be interested?