While the owner is free to sell the property and the information about how they run it as a business, AirBnB does not allow them to sell their online identity for the platform.

@Matt Wan Many lenders require wet signatures on at least the Promissory Note but if yours does not, as a US citizen you could do the entire signing anywhere on the planet with a good internet connection + mic + camera via Remote Online Notarization (RON) for less than $200.If wet signatures are required, the answer then depends upon what foreign country you are in.

I volunteer and host an online group for our local chapter of the Real Estate Investors Association (REIA).

There are some great on-line real estate courses, and I have found the information within them has really been helpful for my investment business.

I don’t think it matters one way or the other just make sure they have some sort of online portal.

I would never form an entity with them when I can do it online with a firm that charges a fraction of what they charge).

My local cable, internet, cell and utility companies are already using it to field calls and answer questions online and phone.

You don’t even have to attend some conferences, some will publish a list of their speakers and/or attendees and you could simply reach out directly after researching their firms online.

If you want to understand 5-year outlook, I'd look for multifamily construction data in your area to understand what level of new units is and will be coming online in the near future. 

I've used an online designer before, you send her photos, measurements of the room and existing furniture, and your budget and she presents you with design options and the links to buy!