When you first approach the homeowners about helping them out of their property, you'll want to let them know that you aren't going to save their mortgage you're just trying to give them a clean escape from having that defaulted mortgage on their credit.

save enough for a down payment and invest in loge term hold.  

@Kevin L Gleave has created a live doc that has up to date info on local meetups, I can PM you a copy (I have Kevin's permission ;) )

LTR is stable, slow, and risk is low but potentially not as much cash (right away).Comes down to what goals you have and your risk threshhold - I have friends in CO springs who do STR and MTR, and works out great - but also have folks who LTR in that area and it pays for them self and it a great way to save money in places like taxes and build equity.  

And where are you finding this info to analyze?

Between the contractor that scammed me and the break in, this project has gone on for about five months longer than it should, and I have depleted my savings making the interest payments all the way up until I have zero money. 

I have heard conflicting info.

The very basics would be getting your furniture and shopping list together, keyless entry like Schlage (with backup lockbox with physical key very close as well), looking into insurance, local taxes for STRs, and moreAlot of ways to save time and make it easier to self manage with a property management software like Hospitable and data research like AirDNA.

Appreciate any info or advice you have.

Not enough info.