But I am still shopping before making up my mind.

We syndicated 75%, plus costs of the purchase price and financed the balance with a traditional loan.We shopped around for weeks to find the perfect loan with the best rates and terms.

The very basics would be getting your furniture and shopping list together, keyless entry like Schlage (with backup lockbox with physical key very close as well), looking into insurance, local taxes for STRs, and moreAlot of ways to save time and make it easier to self manage with a property management software like Hospitable and data research like AirDNA.

Quote from @Steve Tse: Hi BP, What insurance carriers can you recommend in Texas, as I am shopping around to replace my landlords policy that I currently have with Travelers ?

It amazes me how much random transient travel it gets(bowling tournaments, pawn shop remodels, manufacturing employees, traveling photographers, etc). 

You’ve got to follow the rules closely, and that means working with a qualified intermediary (QI) who’ll hold your funds in escrow while you shop around.

I'm specifically looking in Ereciera and the adjacent coastal towns. 

That's why, its best to shop for quality lenders. 

@Abigail KingThe important ones have already been covered by others here but a "real estate adjacent"/financial freedom book I recommend is Retire Young, Retire Rich by Kiyosaki.

More likely cash checking and pawn shops.- Given the demand, buying on through MLS will be tough.