Unfortunately, that is an expensive time-consuming process.

I have about 8K to start investing, which I know is not a lot, but with 3 kids living in SoCal, we are already pinching pennies. 

Without know more specifics, I'd suggest selling what you have now and investing in properties closer to where you live (and pursue 1031 exchanges).

You would need to tap into what the market may draw because not all markets could support this type of guest avatar.You may be able to get just enough bookings to at least cover your monthly expenses by leaning into your listing and how you market the property.

Away from the coast, no hurricanes, fires, floods - we don't even have snowstorms anymore.People can deny climate change all they want or blame it on sun cycles, and frankly, it does not even matter, the reality is that insurance cost will force the issue.You can try to rebuild and you can put houses on stilts in flood areas, or fortify them against high winds and fires, but that makes it expensive.

If that is the case, then you are good to go.Next thing will be to not rent anything until you get a real live lease and rental agreements.

Analyze potential deals by estimating the After Repair Value (ARV), repair costs, and total expenses. 

Can you buy a duplex in Arkansas and live in one side just to get your feet wet and make sure you like the area?

Book recommendation #1: Hands Off Investor by @Brian Burke https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-hands-off-inves...Book recommendation #2: Lend to Live https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/lend-to-livePodcast Recommendation: PassivePockets podcast is focused on passive investing in syndications - https://passivepockets.com/podcast/Passive investing summit: PassivePockets Summit May 2-3rd in Columbus https://get.biggerpockets.com/passivepocketsevent/I make these recommendations specifically since you mentioned passive real estate investing, and syndications or hard money lending are really the two most passive ways to invest in real estate. 

In fact, come to the USA and live off of those of us who pay taxes.