For items not available before the SoE and hitting the market after the SoE, you can raise prices a max of 50%.

RE isn't the stock market. 

Or local to the property?

Your Lender My suggestion to find #2 & #4 would be to go to the top of this page and click on AGENTS & LENDERS.There you will be asked your criteria and then after answering a few questions you will be matched with 3-5 agents or loan officers in your area.

I'd check local STR FB groups and see if you have a local Real Estate Club.You can offer your services there, maybe for free in exchange for the experience.

I’m brainstorming ideas on how I can market myself to potential mentors in the STR game in order to gain experience.

I have been investing in the Las Vegas market for a couple years.

Hi, I just started using BiggerPockets and am excited to learn about the community and all the resources available.

For cash flow, I'd recommend checking out the Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point) or Fayetteville in NC and Sumter and Florence in SC. 

There are plenty of places in CA I would never live or do I like.. for instance Barstow would not be on the top of my list :)