I am actively expanding my STR consulting business!

They are actively managing their properties, do their own recordkeeping at least once per quarter if not more often and are ready to go with reports and back up very quickly at the end of the year. 

Thanks to everything I’ve learned from the podcasts, books, and this community, my wife and I currently own:A triplex in MaineA single-family rental in San AntonioA single-family primary residence in Las Cruces, NM, which will become a rental when we move in a few monthsFor context, I’m an active-duty Army officer with about 12 years left until retirement, and my wife works for a university in Boston.

I don't care if I'm ahead or behind of anyone else because my goals are not relative to anyone else's progress.I get your point that staying active keeps your skills sharp and that if you're active when others aren't you will have access to opportunities that they do not.

Usually its a safer bet.

Which is a tax when you do an active business in your IRA but it is essentially the same thing. 

Cash for keys is definitely the best way to get people out in the day when I was very active at court houses steps cash for keys was by far the best way to get folks to move and bad tenants in a state with bad eviction laws to me would be the preferred method. you simply pay them when they are leaving the house not before.. that works fine and you give them more than 1k .. you make it worth their while..

Either way, I'm excited to start my real estate journey and will try to stay active in this great community I've found here. 

Your best bet is to ask for referrals from professionals in the space: realtors, other investors, this forum, FB groups, etc.

I get FinTech is a high-risk activity, but imagine the industry will consolidate to one or a few strong players.