I recently spoke to a realtor in the poconos, in particular regarding Masthope and he said obtaining a str permit is very hard now, if not impossible.

Also, 18 months is too short a period of time to obtain a truly significant result.  

While this is a great and highly motivating goal, most people are either clueless or incorrect in their belief as to what is required to obtain this “lifestyle”.Understanding of the “how to” get there is further obscured by the misleading, and often patently false “pathways” sold by real estate educational MARKETING companies as workshops, upsold to association memberships, upsold to mentorships.

Taking my realtor hat off for this discussion and putting on my investor hat.

The foreclosure would be finished well before I could even begin to start rehab, obtain permits, get a certificate of occupancy and find a tenant.

How many units are you looking to obtain? 

Here’s my honest advise; consider studying for and obtaining your real estate sales license, and obtain a part time position with a real estate agency that will provide training, guidance, and oversight.  

2.The best way to obtain the necessary permits and ensure compliance moving forward?

It's easy to obtain, costs very little, and doesn't require extra, on-going effort to maintain.

Going to property tours inspired me to obtain my real estate license in the state of Georgia; and look further into property investing and helping others achieve their real estate goals.