How would the situation differ with a home that’s never been a STR but would become one, or a home that’s for sale now that is a current STR.

Unlike the Bay Area, at least from my experience in Sacramento, i don't think the difference in down-payment from a duplex and tri-plex is that significant.

That may differ by state.

However, it's a stationary RV and I believe that makes a difference.

How long it takes to be financially ready is different for everyone.

Quite a difference!

So, when investing in areas they don’t really know, investors should research the different property Class submarkets.

She immigrated from Serbia, so maybe that is a cultural difference, but my wife was pretty floored. 

A STR is a completely different animal in my opinion, in that it requires more work and much more compromise, but financially is worth the effort. 

The program is neither good nor bad, there's just different pros & cons compared to cash paying tenants.Have offered to schedule a call with you numerous times to try and assist you, but you seem to prefer posting & posting & posting - which will take so much longer:(What are the chances you'll actually invest someday, given how long it's taking you to do basic research?