We like the short-term rental idea because we could stay at the property ourselves when we want - summer break, spring/winter breaks, etc.Our budget will be right around $1M or less ideally, and we would like a short distance to the ocean.How likely is it that we could find a property as described above and have it cover or come close to covering the mortgage? 

He ran the numbers, we used a calculator to run numbers for rental or flip property, and the math made sense.

The book is already available on the website but I did not know that at the time! 

It is surprisingly easy to manage out of state and if you want more tips on how, check out Bigger Pockets book "30 Day Stay" on Mid Term Rentals. 

Not sure how localized this forum will be, but I would go to propstream, put in exactly what you want and then call, mail, email, or text them.

Go in person to the planning department and talk to them.

Hi Jimmy,Welcome to the BiggerPockets community!

Do they use a servicing company to make the payments directly to the , or do they make payments directly to the seller and hope they pass them on to the lender?

Go with any of the above sources.

I own properties in Canton right now but I want to expand north up to the Akron market.