Watch some YouTube videos and role play with someone on the common objections (price, how assignment works, etc).

This forced appreciation with a heavy value-add should be great with a long term buy & hold play.2) Cash out refi & purchase a vacation home via a 2nd home loan. 

Local laws definitely come into play as well

I'm playing the same game - Roth SDIRA, although I'll prob start purchasing through an entity as well in the near future.

You can play with pricing to see how it affects demand, so you have a better idea of the quality of prospects and how many you get at different price points.You could also then modify your ad to identify a target MoveIn date and start accepting & processing applications.

While I am not a fan of log homes or all wood interiors, that style still plays well here in the rental market. 

Take advantage of every service as well as play golf.

Location plays a major role in decision making.

i'm playing around with the numbers at the moment for how much i should be putting down for a down payment

There is variance in markets but I believe most markets are like my market with 2 primary plays 1) patience.