If you decide to revisit STRs, you might want to explore properties where you can project expenses independently, such as using local STR forums or online tools to estimate maintenance, management, and occupancy costs.For networking and strategy-building, you might find local meetups or groups beneficial.

Would love to connect with other RE investors that can guide me/us and build confidence along the way.   

Since you're investing from a distance, I recommend interviewing multiple agents, lenders, property managers, contractors, and other professionals to build a strong and reliable team.

In other news, it may be tempting to purchase a waterfront property at a deep discount along the Western Coast but beware, you might get flooded in the next hurricane unless you want to do a teardwon and build on stilts. 

Lastly, they like building relationships.

If you’ve yet to build up substantial credit in the U.S. you can apply for foreign national specific loans that don’t take credit history into consideration when qualifying as in some circumstances you can get better rates and terms applying as a FN when your U.S. based credit history is in it’s infancy.

Typically when you see "cash only" the agent doesn't believe the property can pass a home inspection which isn't relevant for construction loans in most instances and there are plenty of banks, hard money lenders etc. who offer construction financing on distressed buildings.

That way, you can get your foot in the door, start building equity, and stay at home a bit longer to save more money.You could also consider the BRRRR method where you buy a fixer-upper, rehab it to add value, rent it out, and then refinance to pull your cash back out.

Best way to detect this is to observe them during the home inspection.

You want to focus on markets that work with your plan and also where you have a personal connection with someone, even if you build that on the internet.