Something to keep in mind is that you should try to have at least 6 months of reserves saved additional to the down payment when buying a property.

When you buy real estate think in decades not years.

So if you sold your new property for exactly what you paid for it two days after buying it you would still be paying the tax that you had deferred in the 1031.So, going from CA to CA doesn't benefit you.  

From there, peg your ideal client (use GPT) and when you buy build out the stay to attract those guests.

Currently looking into doing a BRRR or a buy and hold in the FL market.

So, if 'weak" on your lease, don't feel bad about buying a template from one better refined, or using a TP service from a provider who has one to level like mine and then, well, you'll have that in hand for all actions going forward, right. 

Hello BP, Is there a metric, tool or indicator I can use to determine vacancy rates in a specific area before buying a rental property?

I am often asked this question:  "What is my biggest financial risk in buying/owning a short-term rental property?"

If that's the case, I'd save a lot of money and time and just buy one of the books available (some here  on BP).

I buy existing land contracts all the time but I wouldn't create one in any state.