Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

More than standard among design professionals- Architects and Engineers. 

I imagine it can be tricky without face-to-face interaction, but it sounds like you’ve got a solid approach.Honestly, I don't have a process for establishing trust with sellers other than being polite and professional.

Readers should seek professional advice.

Airbnb properties can be hit or miss depending on location, seasonality, and regulations.

Get some professional photos.

Then there’s city regulations—some places heavily restrict short-term rentals, so you’ve got to check the rules.If you find the right spot and automate stuff (guest communication, cleaning, etc.), it can be profitable.

Partnerships: Collaborate with other investors or professionals to pool resources and expertise.4.

Second, working with a local real estate professional who has experience and expertise in the Phoenix market can be helpful in navigating the current market conditions. 

I Joined Jeromes Buying land and building homes program back in 2019Heres my opinion on my experience....First and foremost He offers two different programs. a 6 month program and a 12 month program.BOTH PROGRAMS ARE EXACTLY IDENTICAL THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS:You can choose to have the weekly mentoring by Jerome once a week for 6 months or 12 months on a zoom call and you can have access to a private networking group of real estate professionals whether that be (realtors, contractors, brokers, Private/Hard money lenders, loaning institutions, Surveyors, Engineers, Zoning Board members in different municipalities, pretty much anyone you would need to get a project completed) for either 6 months or 12 months.6 month program will run you $5,997 if you decide to pay all at onceor you can make a $2,300 payment every 2 months totaling $6,90012 month program will run you $9,997 if you decide to pay all at onceor you can make a $3,000 payment every 3 months totaling $12,000I decided to join the one year program and chose the payment option as i figured within 6-8 months i would have my 1st project completed therefor my last two payments would essentially be covered by the return on investment from that project.PROS:The group is really a family oriented space where you meet a vast variety of people from all types of background throughout the country and other countries that are doing business just like you.