I have always bought the regular way- with an agent (or representing myself in the state in which I am licensed), on market properties and fair negotiations. 

I'm not an agent, but the lack of investment-savvy agents in my market comes up regularly at my meetup.

They used to offer a deal for 12 months for $1 through the real estate rookie podcast I believe code was ROOKIE but not sure if they are running that promotion anymore.

There is furniture and stuff in the way and you may miss things, plus they could do damage between when you did the inspection and they actually move out.If they are moving out at the end of the month, tell them you can do a pre move out inspection, but put it in writing that as their belongings are in the property, you may miss things.the link provided earlier for California, says you can do an initial inspection, but it is also followed up by a regular inspection after they move out. 

With regular real estate, escrows with retail buyers fall out all the time and is expected.

,,I suppose there are some regular neighborhoods where a STR would work, but why are people coming?

Hi Everyone,I recently got a promotion at work that allows me to live remotely in any part of the country.

Many people start a business and they might even be good at it but are rarely capable of self promotion.

We've already agreed on rates, and I'm going to ensure all the paperwork protects me just like it would any other lender (proper contracts, personal guarantee, etc)The part I'm unsure of is what type of entity it should be under, just a regular LLC?

When I was just a regular agent, I didn't get the nuances that investors really needed.