I've looked around and trying to find an investment property for the next 10 years, but more or less where my wife and I will retire. 

If you understand LLCs and have additional concerns, then you are probably at the level where a trust makes sense.

@Butch Greene  We have had similar situations, one involving an FHA buyer of a two unit, where both units were under lease. 

I want to know where the best markets are at the moment and is it possible for me to acquire one while only sitting on $15k.

So where does this leave us? 

This is important because you should have an idea of which locations you'll be able to cashflow a property versus the neighborhoods where it may not be about a positive cashflow it may just be about reducing your mortgage by having tenants.Bottom line- Start your journey by researching the market before you move there so when it's time to pull the trigger you'll be making smart offers

I wanted opinions from real estate investors, STR Hosts, and even property managers on the difficulties of hosting, tips for my co-hosting journey, and especially, how to onboard my first client with no references and where to find hosts.Thank you in advance!

And it seems that all the BPOs I see are on commercial property where comps are VERY DIFFICULT, properties like marinas, event centers, rural warehouses, etc.  

You might consider furnishing one of the rooms and giving Airbnb a shot, where you can net quite a bit more. 

I currently have a listing where the sellers are marketing an assumable mortgage.