I have a lot to learn and plan for so this is a great start.

BiggerPockets website is good for the American market (mostly) but you will also find lots of Canadians on here and some good info on the Canadian market just by searching.There are worthwhile local West Coast resources for learning real estate investing in general and the Canadian and Vancouver markets in particular.

Live and learn!

You'll save plenty of money, you will also learn how to problem solve complaints and learn hospitality (because an STR is a hospitality business really).

However, if you’re thinking of investing a significant amount of capital, I’d do a much more comprehensive search.        

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

When I returned from vacation I learned my partner gave him the full second payment! 

This last year I've been trying to really learn the business and begin to market for properties.

I’ve done two rehabs from out of state so far, and I can relate to the challenges you mentioned.One thing I learned the hard way is that managing rehabs remotely can be tough.

This could be an opportunity to share what you've learned.