But I could have just as easily gotten burned had the home not been suitable for renting to local military families.

And potentially see more visitors, instead of just the person who only has a season pass to one mountain.How would you approach your area purchase?

I would appreciate advice relating to situations such as, if it's more suitable to finish my college education and wait to become more established, go out and start investing now, or if its even possible to do both.

If it’s suitable for short-term rentals, you could sell exclusive rentals rights to a vacation rental company.

One of the BP members mentioned creating an LLC and PO Box to preserve anonymity - that's a good idea too in that it insulates you from any unwanted visitors. 

You may find that the time period between closing and lease renewal is enough for you to make your own determination on their suitability as tenants.Same for rent payment history.Write in your contract that Seller assigns all right under existing lease to Buyer.A good estoppel letter (examples in FilePlace) can address most of your concerns.

REI can definitely provide a suitable way to make a living.

You can still find properties suitable as rentals in the Triangle area, it just depends on your numbers and your creativity, ha...

I work in the Stowe area, and we absolutely have year round visitors, with the exception of April mud season and November stick season, though I have noticed more visitors without much of a break this year.

I found a loan broker on Bigger Pockets who assures me he can find a suitable lender, including gap funding to cover the cost of the down payment.