You can also check their reviews online at Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

Sometimes you get lucky.You could even bring up the subject of seller financing (search online for ideas of how to structure a seller financed offer), and make sure a competent real estate attorney helps write the offer documents (if it gets that far). 

Any tips on what to screen for specifically?

I do not know this one specifically but most courses and coaches online are a borderline scam.Couldn’t agree more.

As I mentioned I finished my post graduate education 50 years ago, so my experience may not be so relevant in today's world, with so much of the information we received in college courses available on line for free.  

Here's a video with some tips, but I recommend you watch several videos, read some blogs, and educate yourself on what to look for in a brokerage:

This year, I’ll be sharing tips, insights, and lesser-known strategies to help you turn your housing allowance into an asset.

@Matt Wan Many lenders require wet signatures on at least the Promissory Note but if yours does not, as a US citizen you could do the entire signing anywhere on the planet with a good internet connection + mic + camera via Remote Online Notarization (RON) for less than $200.If wet signatures are required, the answer then depends upon what foreign country you are in.

From what I know of the sponsor’s background, they have NO basis to believe they can successfully navigate the very complicated business of revitalizing a name brand via on line sales only.  

I’d really appreciate any insights, whether there’s anything I missed, any places you’d avoid, or any tips for STRs in this market.