I personally used Jon McGraw in the past and he is extremely knowledgeable in the field. 

I have personally worked with @Wale Lawal and he is awesome. 

It takes time and patience, but the long-term benefits are well worth it.I’ve personally gained invaluable knowledge, listings, and deals from friendships I’ve built over the years.The more people you engage with, the faster you’ll achieve your goals!

I am personally buying a lot in Casa Grande, Arizona.

I personally believe that a better way to jump into mid term rentals is to take a course on buidling a property management company or cohosting business where you bring your skillset to the table without the intial investment into all the furniture and leases.

Simplify the structure as much as possible, have clear roles and responsibilities that are not overlapping (meaning only one person is allowed to make certain decisions) and a clearly defined exit plan.

Did you end up flying and looking in person in the area?

You now don't seem like the type of person most of us would accept a recommendation from.

I think this is a calculation a lot of homeowners are making right now--especially if they have a low interest mortgage, equity, and their house will cashflow as a rental.The choice is a personal one of course, but I think your future self will thank you if you pull out some equity from your existing home with a HELOC for the downpayment on the next house and a cushion renting your current home, use a property manager as you have other things to do, and buy the next house and do the same thing again.

First person I hired, I also had them write their own job procedures and so on.