In terms of using BP - I highly recommend setting up some "keywords" in your settings so that you can get alerted to discussions that talk about "CPA" "Bookkeeper" or "Bookkeeping" and related terms!

I strongly recommend getting involved with your local REI meetup groups so you can work out your pitch with help from other landlords.I hope this doesn't come off the wrong way without tone or facial expressions behind it. 

Pay attention to the details and be organized Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I think tax benefits should be secondary to buying something that would work well as a STR.I would recommend you consult a tax professional to see what possible tax benefits you could receive from buying this STR.

I'd recommend looking at costs. your build cost is going to be well over other homes because of the fixed costs like slab, Hvac, roof, etc. check the market drivers and weight the benefits of short term versus long term. long term is no furniture and help pays mortgage but at this size it doesn't really cover everything. we didn't find a lot of economies of scale in single family detached. can you build more than one unit?

Upon BP member recommendations, my husband got his real estate license which now helps increase our access and decrease our transaction costs.

I’d recommend looking for a market that’s affordable and has good rental demand—local job growth or proximity to schools can be a sign of a solid investment.

Financing might be a challenge.I would recommend consulting with a attorney, loan officer, and CPA to discuss your specific situation and determine the best course of action. 

Tax Breaks- I am not an accountant, but I recommend conversing with one to see all of the benefits to owning a rental property.

My question to y'all good folks: Do you know of, or can you recommend, a company or brokerage that deals in property management in California that I could work for full-time and learn everything there is to know?