Even if the rental has a decent cash flow with additional flood insurance, we're still not sure we want to take on that risk as we are out-of-state investors (planning to move back to KY in the future, but not now) and we don't like that it will potentially bring down the perceived value when we try to sell it in the future.The seller has never lived there and has not provided any information on if it has flooded before or not. 

Is it right that short term rentals are considered as licensing the property for use (similar to a hotel) and not a lease for a long term rental and therefore do not require a brokerage license to provide management services that include price adjustments? 

Partner with a real estate marketing company out of Las Vegas or Provo, Utah to market, promote and advertise the “mentorship” system consisting of the free seminar, followed by the modest fee weekend workshop, followed by the $15,000 - $40 000 full mentorship program.Here are the usual results1- 99% of “students” never earn back the cost, despite 1000s of wasted hours2- students learn nothing of real estate principles, real estate finance and real estate law which are the necessary foundation blocks of knowledge necessary for a SUSTAINABLE career in real estate investment 3- with hundreds or thousands of “students” unleashed on the real estate selling public they’re AT BEST an annoyance of trying to do “unrealistic” deals, AT WORST lead to a disastrous result for vulnerable homeowners.4 - The career real estate investors, service providers, brokers, lenders, etc are so disgusted with all of it and the outcomes they see that that can’t even comprehend that the subject technique or strategy does have a legitimate use when utilized (1) by and experienced and well capitalized buyer and (2) full disclosure is provided all parties with legal representation.  

The sale of our home will provide us with approximately $150,000 to allocate toward investments.At this stage, we feel most comfortable focusing on long-term rentals.

I interpretttev @Alan Asriants statement different than you but agree it is not clear   He could be indicating pools, basements, sunrooms do not provide a means for an extra tenant.  

My conclusion is that take the provided ROI calculations from REI as purely estimates.

Researching local job markets, schools, and even infrastructure projects can provide insight into potential appreciation and cash flow.You might want to explore markets in the Midwest or South, which often have lower entry points and better cash flow potential compared to California.

It's my understanding the Gator Method consists of providing short term loans to cover other investor's earnest money deposits.

Maybe it’s just gut feel, but for some reason It FEELS like these two scenarios will provide excellent opportunities moving forward, while fishing for notes to purchase at significant discounts to current principal enough to yield sufficient returns doesn’t seem as promising.  

More of the terms are necessary, in order to provide feedback on your partnership.