One other disturbing thing, they send me a spreadsheet to dump my data in, then 2 weeks later we can use it. 2 Weeks, so we just stop operations for 2 weeks?

Cash-flow is for "keeping the lights on" as in covering operational expenses to defend against any need for additional capital investment. 

There are a ton of tools and resources that not a lot of people know so doing some YT watching and their training helps immensely. also, happy to answer any questions you might have on set up / operations.

Find the REIA group for your areaAs Henry noted, post something specific for your area and tag your market.Get on Loopnet for your area and property type, reach out to the brokers that are listing deals and offer to take to coffee (they are often invested in deals too but you could ask for connections to other operators that might be getting started).And, again as Henry noted, each person you meet, ask them what other networking events they have attended that you can put on your list.

Sounds he’s not interested in going through the rent up stage and being an operator.

What I love about Baselane is that it was built BY real estate investors FOR real estate investors so it's really dialed in to what you're going to need in order to prepare your taxes, keep your books up to date and the more operational aspects of being an REI like tenant vetting and processing rent payments.

Use STR-specific insurance to protect both parties and automate operations with platforms like Airbnb, TurnoverBnB, and PriceLabs.Taxable income from the STR must be reported, but you can deduct related expenses like cleaning, utilities, and furnishings.

If you decide to operate one outside of their desired areas, they will come after you with hefty fines.

Until you get better clarity on those answers, you are more likely gambling instead of investing.

Even if it's cleaning rooms, get a feel for the operations.