-your first few years after a purchase are typically a stabilization period, and you IN-vesting your money into the property. think about how long it will take to recoup all the costs i just mentioned.

I’d look at listening to podcasts such as BP, BP money, straight up Chicago investor podcast.While in school and even now, I’d focus on working as much as possible to make sure you’re in a good position to have a down payment as soon as possible.i’d try to understand what a good deal is (underwriting), and also lending. 

When I looked into it, I saw that the STR she paid for was managed by Vacasa, yet the "owner" was answering requests from guests for bookings and taking money. 

Be vocal about the deals you are finding, money attracts hustle and deals.

At this point assume your money is most likely gone and not coming back.

Of the investors I’ve known who invest remotely, 9 out of 10 of them have lost money and sold those properties within a few years.

At the end of the day it generally becomes cost prohibitive unless some sort of grant money is released. 

Not sure what I need to do to get my money back or him out of the business.

I just keep plowing money into the mortgage  my goal is not to have it hang around long term so I would avoid the recast idea .

I personally wouldnt work with a discount broker on the list side as there is a decent amount of money that goes into presenting a good listing.