Also, in this hot buying market for the last three years, I only need the first month and my listing pictures. 

I can't help you on the agent part of things, but I do think making a list of all the steps you need to do to buy a property (find and agent, get prequalified for a loan, make x number of offers) and then put that list above anything else (regarding real estate) and try to start crossing one item off after another could help. 

The truth is, you'll need some initial capital regardless of your venture unless you're experienced in negotiating and leveraging creative financing opportunities.

Initially we were concerned with the stigma of installing "linoleum" in brand new houses.

The seller is asking to sell for $565k if they can sell it without listing it and forego the agent commissions.

Mine is a 4 bed 2 bath and I was going to list for $340 a night.  

Start with something simple like house hacking and think about using an FHA loan to buy homes with a small initial payment.

However, a few things I would suggest to give you a better perspective is: 1) Talk to property management companies in the area to see if they operate in the area and/or have comments on tenants in the area, 2) Speak to a few banks to understand how they would lend on this property, 3) Scan Zillow/craigslist and other listing sites to understand the rental market for listings...

Do you just list the property with a realtor?

I was told an initial one time payment plus $500/month.