The very basics would be getting your furniture and shopping list together, keyless entry like Schlage (with backup lockbox with physical key very close as well), looking into insurance, local taxes for STRs, and moreAlot of ways to save time and make it easier to self manage with a property management software like Hospitable and data research like AirDNA.

I just keep a running shopping cart throughout the day/week.

You’ve got to follow the rules closely, and that means working with a qualified intermediary (QI) who’ll hold your funds in escrow while you shop around.

More likely cash checking and pawn shops.- Given the demand, buying on through MLS will be tough.

Financing-  build a relationship with a regional banker, don’t shop for interest rates, start small and build history and loyalty they are your team, Cross collateralize, deposit CD/MM or custodial account with bank for loan, give them monthly updates, nail your deal analysis, do stress tests on your deal analysis-cost/interest rate/deal length/ sale price etc. 12.  

So if you want to come visit and scout, that's great, but otherwise, don't go Zillow shopping. 

That's why, its best to shop for quality lenders. 

Wondering if anybody has invested with American Homeowner Preservation out of Chicago? 

Many Americans take a HELOC on a US property.

It amazes me how much random transient travel it gets(bowling tournaments, pawn shop remodels, manufacturing employees, traveling photographers, etc).