But the best ways to get started are, in my opinion: 1) save up enough for a 10-20% down payment and then save a lot more on top of that for reserves, overages, and any unforeseen repairs.    2) have your financial house in order and have credit above 700 to get more favorable rate and terms from lenders.   3) speak to a loan officer that is experienced with fix and flips and get the necessary documents together for a pre approval (typically not much required, usually a valid ID, LLC docs if any, and two months of bank statements showing funds for down payment and reserves). 

I was hoping for a place there that I can market to certain activities groups (Climbing, Skiing, Hiking), while also having a place for my family to be able to use when visiting for various events. 

We were married recently, and when we add in our wedding gifts with what we have been saving on our own for years, we feel that we are finally ready to pull the trigger on our first property purchase.We actually live about 90 minutes south of the ski area that we are looking to invest in, but it is an area that I am very familiar with as I have been going there my whole life.

Is it (a) pre-offer (b) after an accepted offer but before contract signing (c) after contract signing during a due diligence period? 

At my ski resort Airbnbs, we have portables.  

Also avoids a pre-pay which by the way when does yours end? 

How will that look for you, if you already owed 90% of a pre-price-drop value?

You have all these expenses you owe now on a 26.5% APR credit line.  

You’ve got lake activities in the summer, foliage drives in the fall, skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing in winter, and of course great hiking year round.

Anyway, thanks for the note  I hear you on reducing stress, not sure of your age, but I won't 'go there' on the stress and quality of life side of things....I'm more patient than I used to be for sure.As far as what could be next - sounds incredibly non sensical and irresponsible - yet, move it all including yourself to a Colorado ski town.