I am just concerned members and visitors of BP will see GC, watch his videos, believe in his pitch, lay down tens of thousands of dollars (which most don't have) and be left up sh--ts creek without a paddle. 

Just being honest man, REI isn't for you.  3 rental properties with 100k in reserves in the bank doesn't scream stress.  

The current market is not just a little inflated, it is absolutely crazy (at least in the areas I know and hear about).If I were planning on buying Real Estate, I would wait.....unless of course there is an obviously screaming deal....

We have zero STR experience.Long ago I heard that you should build a log style cabin in the Smokies because that's what visitors expect.

This is screaming remodel and repair.People are not willing to rent the property at a below market rate for some reason so tread carfully as this could be a money pit.

With listings you get visitors -> leads -> sales

Everything in me screams "GURU ALERT!"  

My friend your in a screaming buy zone due to being an owner occupant vs being a renter next 4 years.  

Mexico is the 7th most visited country on earth, with more than 40 million visitors per year and has been climbing the rankings in spite of all those problems.

It screams of someone who schemes.