If you're willing to share any advice, pitfalls, or stories from this project I'd love to hear them.

Hi Denis, This is great advice.

Start with books by BiggerPockets authors—Brandon Turner’s "Rental Property Investing" and David Greene’s "BRRRR" are great resources.

Same advice even if lump sum. 

Great advice, I found that the professional photos and doing the rehab slightly above the competition really seemed to help as I had almost 0 vacancy! 

Hi all,I have a few long-term rentals and am exploring a STR for the first time, and am seeking guidance / advice on my expected expenses (and ideally what i'm missing that i should factor into my calculations).

Readers should seek professional advice.

Quote from @Golan Corshidi: Hey all,I used all the advice and wisdom from these channels and decided to do my first deal out of state.

Their prerogative of course, and I understand why a seller would be apprehensive of a buyer that hasn't set their own eyes on a property,  but does anyone have any suggestions or advice on how to get them back talking with me?

If anyone has any advice or tips that would be great, I'm new to real estate investing and live in an expensive area, and wanted to invest out of state.