I just do all my bookings over airbnb, its too risky to go direct as the guests aren't covered by airbnb insurance.

How fast can you learn a new industry?

To find private investors, especially individuals for real estate deals, here are a few options:Networking Events: Attend local real estate investment clubs, meetups, and industry conferences.

The "single family rental industry"  lacked a good platform to buy / sell these properties. 

As Shawn mentioned above insurance is going to be a HUGE deal in Gainesville as well as HOA's.

Conventional loans with 5% still require mortgage insurance. 

I wasn’t able to get insurance.

Before you think you're getting in for zero down, have you asked what kind of cash reserves you have to have to qualify for the loan such as X number of months rent, and X number of months taxes, and what about insurance are they going to require you to buy one years of insurance or something.

Even if it's just part time, the key to figuring out how PM is done well is by being present around people who have mastery of the industry. 

Seeing success firsthand, especially in a hands-on industry like construction, must have been a powerful motivator.