I owned one for 13 years but it was a STR for only a couple of years prior and the other for 7 years and was always a STR.  

In The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, it profiles a couple who used this strategy.

Although in the last couple deals most have come out as 506C deals where only accredited investors are allowed, there are still 506B syndications where you can be a sophisticated investor (self proclaimed) so you don't have to be accredited.

Hi everyone,A couple of weeks ago, I noticed a seemingly vacant and distressed property near my current residence.

A couple months ago there was a guest on the BP money pod that said something I really liked, "put your risk in your ROTH" and by that he meant that if you're going to invest in something riskier that has the potential to have large returns, put that in your ROTH account because you're only taxed on what goes IN to your ROTH, not what comes out.

Would definitely recommend reaching out to a couple RE attorneys to chat.

Do you need all this for a couple of rentals?

Quick search "MLS Only Broker California" gives you a couple of options.

Quote from @Jordan Laney: I would call a couple snow removal businesses in the area and see what they would charge for that..

Thank you Andrew, great examples, I have joined a couple of Fb groups but I think I will look at Meetup also, I appreciate your help