The STR loophole is all about “material participation”.

If you're earning, they might show they care a little, but they're more focused on the next batch of agents to recruit.Mom & pop experience: the broker barely answered my calls but when she did, I had already found the answer myself OR she was able to share something I couldn't find on my own - experience.This helped me become very resourceful as it forced me to figure things out in case she couldn't get back to me in a timely manner.Big box experience: I went to KW and found the best 'community' feel/vibe you could ask for in the business.

Aside from this any recommendation about groups that  should join or actively participate to maximize my reach?

I will ensure my attendance and look forward to participating.

The LP still has to meet the material participation rules in order to take full advantage of the depreciation losses even if they meet REPS. 

If you figure out how much you would need to have passively to just get by bare minimum, and still get the occasional coffee or take out then you can figure out what you would need to buy for property to achieve this.

If you materially participate and the rental qualifies as a STR you should be able to take advantage of bonus depreciation on a STR.

For instance here is a snippet I saw on crexi:Non-ContingentEarnest Money Deposit: Greater of $20,000 or 10% of the Purchase PriceMarketing Fee: 5% of the Winning Bid Amount, $20,000 minimum$10,000 Participation Deposit

So I have gained so much from just participating at a fairly low level for a few years, but the people I've met and things I've learned have proved invaluable. 

My sponsors will market their net fees, but I have not participated in any pref equity positions, so not sure what is "market".