People that throw around "I am a host too" are typically amateur who rent a room out on Airbnb at their parents investment duplex - never professionals IMO. 

To get started, focus on discovering deals by networking with investors, pursuing probate leads, or searching for abandoned homes.

On a few older forums, I saw Listsource and networking as possible leads for these properties.

I am not a tax professional, but if you are borrowing 75% of the value, in this case $180k and you sell for $240k, wouldn't you be paying taxes on what you profited?

While this is helpful, you'll get the same help from BP, a network and public FB REI groups. 

Whatever happens always be professional.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

The more professional you present yourself the better.

For travel medical professionals I will accept a copy of their fully executed contract in lieu of pay stubs because their prior pay stubs may be totally different than their current contracted rate. 

Remember, your network is your networth.