You will need to get a local, rockstar Realtor, contractor, lender, and property manager.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-tea...

I’m looking to buy a STR in Joshua Tree right now.

I'm assuming I'll meet with someone about clearing/leveling the land since there are some trees that will need to be removed and its full of bushes and other stuff that needs to be cleared off. 

Vern,  I am in complete agreement with you about why there can't be a place on the web (Connected Investors is too busy promoting their in-house lending company Lending Tree, to be willing to provide a forum for this type of thing.

In general Joshua Tree is a great location for Short Term rentals. 

Given the expenses I foresee in the future (lots of dead trees on the property, HVAC won't stay new forever, roof with about 10 years left, high renter turnover in the area), I am not sure if my cash flow will ever be positive. 

I've looked at First American/Data Tree and a couple of others but they seem pricey especially considering the search and records limitations on the base plans. 

You will need to get a local, rockstar Realtor, contractor, lender, and property manager.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-tea...

Everyone starts somewhere and my tea is in place.  

Way to miss the forest for the trees.