Hi All, and thank you for your help in advance.

Lastly this is my first post here so apologies in advance if I posted this wrong or in the wrong place  House hacking is perhaps the best strategy to get started in real estate.

Thanks in advance.

I think they contain solid information and will help lay a good foundation as a beginner (Haha, I'm completely new to real estate as well, btw)I'm also going to be reading the following books, and hopefully I can finish all by the end of this month:1) The ABCs of Property Management2) The Advanced Guide to Real Estate Investing3) Long-Distance Real Estate Investing How to Buy, Rehab, and Manage Out-of-State Rental Properties (this might be the most important one to me personally)4) The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money DownIn addition to reading, I'm consuming crazy amounts of youtube videos, and I'recommend you do this as well.

Thank you in advance for any advice or guidance you can share!

Thank you in advance for your help in this matter

If you respond, thank you in advance.... good karma is on it's way to you! 

Closer to the theme parks, I imagine the better for STR short-term goal.Thanks in advance.

Thank you in advance for your help! 

An appraisal fee in advance for an actual appraisal is legitimate, but you can find lenders that don't require appraisals and don't charge appraisal fees.