Long time listener of the great content BiggerPockets produces. 

You should be able to find 3-4 family properties in Worcester county that could produce 10% cash on cash returns within 12 months.

They then explained their situation and their mom living in that house was not a healthy environment, they then begged us to take the house off their hands, so we said fine.

I am a huge fan of condo investing b/c they are a great long term investments (assuming the HOA is "healthy") and low money to get in.

He in an Vegas expert and produces tons of great content online.

SHOW EVIDENCEIf you can't produce evidence do not make any claims.

When I was ready to buy it, he subordinated to the construction loan, then after construction and upon the sale of the spec duplex, he was paid back his original investment plus a healthy profit.

I'm in the process of looking for a STR/second home property in the Poconos and was wondering if amenity filled communities are a must from an income producing perspective?

I am here because the concept of becoming financially independent through real estate is easy to understand and appealing, I at least have some experience in buying and selling 4 different homes (all primary residence) and I can have some level of control in the outcome.I have a decent amount of capital available, about $300k liquid (that would require me to sell a few stocks/ETF's), I have nearly 50% equity in my house valued at just over $1M, and a healthy 401k etc. 

Reassess your insurance and tax rates.Understand capex costs and get healthy budgets to handle rehabs and contingencies.