Connect with a local real estate agent and run the numbers. 

@Kathy MerkhI would run from them.

Retirement accounts are designed to be invested passively so when the IRS sees you running an active business in it, to level the playing field between retirement accounts and other business the retirement account incurs UBIT. 

However, we will likely need a property manager to assist with some facets of running this rental (since we would not live locally) and would primarily market it through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO to start, (eventually setting up a direct booking process).Here's our question for those who have experience in STR's or who might be involved in a similar scenario: How challenging is it to meet the material participation hours needed to achieve active status?

Even thought we headed out at 11:15.

My recommendation to serious real estate investors is buy an opportunity in any segment, do the math (it's all about the ROI; some investors fall for the 'commercial' is more prestigious chest thump to find that losing money isn't very prestigious at all), and plan on proactively running a business. 

The gentleman Chris Koerner seemed well educated on the topic (mobile home park investing) and he gave enough information and follow-up documents that you could take the information and run.

Leveraging your friend's connections in Provo could lower risk and give you a head start, especially if the market fundamentals are strong.

I am just trying to wrap my head around at what purchase price does this property cash flow. 

It's doesn't really sound like you are much into being landlords so doing a 1031 might just change from "annoying when things come up" to full fledged head aches when you buy more and or larger properties in your current market.