VRBO is bad, I've had nothing but bad experiences (albeit only two) from it.For some reason reviewing isn't in the VRBO ecosystem culture, so it's hard to vet exactly who they are and if they're legit.I had to file a claim because my first VRBO guest cancelled their credit card, which in turn had me return the money.

Our lifestyle is cultured and urbane; we support the arts and public radio/TV.

I always recommend something from Greek culture or mythology, as I am Greek.

You will also need to learn the culture of student housing there: When is the student rental season that kids are looking for next year?

However, lower cost of living/ housing and cultural diversity are major advantages.

I was laid off in 2012 and diagnosed with cancer 3 months later while on unemployment (yes, I just celebrated my 5-yr survival!).  

How about a town center with restaurants, ice cream shops and a movie theatre like Disney’s Celebration?

Great for networking. 2nd Monday of every month at the celebrity theater is the Phoenix meeting.

Before you know it you will understand the values in that area better than most agents.Create a commercial checking account with a credit line.Attend every public auction in your area, bid on none but study the process, look at the property and play a game - guess what the high bid might beMake friends with new real estate agents (new only---- they haven't been polluted by negative comments and attitudes by older agents.)Ask your agents to send you list of expired listings (give them money for their services, like a thank you $100.00 bill) Understand the Law of Universal Prosperity.)Run classified ads in your local news papers --WANTED All real estate, commercial, houses and non-conforming properties, family business call 555-555-5555 for a fast no fee offer.Call me if you need a partner.Have fun while learning, don't take this business too seriouslyDon't make offers on real estate, make them on the equity that the real estate can offerAlways negotiate for the equityGet a real estate license, not to be an agent, but to understand the culture of the business, to have access to the MLS and to meet some nice folksFarm an area - drive around, look for FSBO's, agent's signs, ugly houses, put them in your journal to call laterCreate a little flyer to put on super market's bulletin boardsAsk 10 people a day this questions; "would you know of anyone who would like to sell their real estate?"

Celebration. :)