Airdna is a good resource and tool, but I wouldn't rely solely on that platform for data.

My two cents is that the non-live broadcast is a commonly used marketing tool If it was "live" when it was first broadcast, then it is not a "scam" in my opinion but a rebroadcast that does not disclose that fact (not as professional as it could be).

Section 8 is best used as a risk mitigation tool for properties in super low income, high crime areas.

There are many, many tools out there that you can use that don't require a real estate license.

Use tools like AirDNA or Mashvisor to provide market data on projected rental income and occupancy rates, and make sure your lender works with appraisers familiar with short-term rentals.

I stumbled upon Deal Machine as a tool to aid in the process.

Just a follow up question, were you utilizing debt to invest, I have always been taught since a young age to try and not utilize debt (I come from a family of stock market investors, traditional business owners) where debt is not utilized as frequently which I obviously understand debt can be a very powerful tool and utilized in a great way its just something I want to avoid with my investments to an extent any suggestions for investing without debt or as little as possible. 

I believe Pricelabs is offering a pricing strategy and market analysis info more in line with hotels, and that might be a good tool for you to look at.

Or do you use another tool to search for properties? 

@Sebastian Nadal for background checks, I use stessa/rent prep that’s available to us through biggerpockets tools.