Hi @Byoung,Nice to meet you!

I only know a few local realtors/ property managers I’m going to meet with them this week to ask more questions. 

Be mindful that there are rules that the lenders want you to check off.Furthermore, there are other rules on the tax side where you want to normally be under to get the most tax benefits.The magic number in both instances is '14 days'Lenders want you to stay atleast 14 days to meet the secondary home requirement.The tax accountant normally wants you to stay less than 14 days or 10% of the days it was used as a rental to treat it as a rental and not as a personal residence.Best of luck!

I had a meeting with a lender about getting a second home loan.

Im in college so I meet new people everyday and that alone is a huge resource.

That way, in case you need to go take pictures or meet with a seller, it’s not too long of a drive for you.

I can feel that you have embraced the move and change. if you want to meet some local investors there is a meet-up next Tuesday. it's posted in the classifieds.

if so, let's set up quick meeting to see if we're right fitif not, i'll take a referral in SDThanks,Marko

That will be the best spot to meet an investor friendly agent in person or at least meet other investors in your markets that can help connect you to the right agents.

You are generally correct that there is an annual exclusion for gift taxes that generally passes tax-free (of course, in all situations, exceptions apply and you have to meet all requirements to qualify).