I know this is an unpopular opinion around here that you won’t see on the front page of the daily BiggerPockets newsletter, but it’s the truth For the record, I still believe a quality STR purchase offers a great ROI over the long term.  

I'm the VP of a roofing company in South Florida and work with a few good PM companies on a regular basis, a lot of bad ones too.There are good and bad PMs in each of those companies. 

Sounds to me like you’re commenting on how the quality of the course is without having seen it.  

If you can pay off the HELOC quickly, that is not bad way to go. 

Other introverts will feel comfortable with you and that could actually help your journey......more important qualities are honesty, integrity and being a harder worker than others.Just be yourself and go get started.

Others may argue that higher rates are bad as it drives up their borrowing costs. 

Anyone trying to tell you a certain asset class is good or bad these days is probably trying to sell you something.

If you're comfortable with waiting 3 years, maybe that's not a bad decision since the building has a foundation that isn't going to fall apart, but yeah it's good that you are figuring out what you need to know to be ready when the time comes.

Most section 8 tenants are decent, few bad apples ruin the bunch. 

Depending on local regulations, you can mix up STR/MTR/LTR. 2) Get systems in place in those exact cities; 2 PMs preferably via NARPM, 2 high quality inspectors, and rotating book of handyman, 1 lawyer, and a credit union contact for leverage along with investor friendly nationwide lenders.