I've heard that the Sarasota County is in need of money (and that's the reason AirBNB deducts taxes and directly passes them to the County) - how strictly are those rules enforced? 

Feel free to reach out and we can have a conversation.

@Tim DiMario- thanks and welcome ...I would recommend getting formally pre approved for a hypotehtical scenario with a lender ...This process will help get you organized / prepared and its free ...you will also learn a lot ....if you never  buy anything or dont buy anything for soem time - its  OK ...good luck

(Separate issue, I've been unable to find one that I'm happy with)- I know there are other cheaper/free property management applications and services, but the repair coordination and not needing to be on call is a huge plus for me.- Experience - So far is just awesome.

Feel free to reach out if you'd like to chat sometime.

Sometimes you can talk directly to the owners.Use the Internet - Websites can show you houses that are being sold because the owners couldn't pay their bills or are in other kinds of trouble.Check Public Records - Look at official papers to see if a property owner is behind on taxes or other bills, which could mean they need to sell fast.Study the Market - Learn about how much houses in that area usually sell for and how much you could sell it for after you fix it up.Be Careful - Make sure you investigate the property fully to see if there are any legal problems or money owed on it.By using these steps together, you can find properties that might be a good investment because they need work or are being sold at a lower price than usual.Kind regards,

It seems to me that in Germany, being wealthy is a disgrace (seeing that from a tax and legal perspective).Now I don‘t want to post here about how „difficult“ it is living in Germany, but instead I am looking for people that think the same way. 

Don't just ask for something, try to give something first - a Joint Venture opportunity - cold calling for free - etc.

Lots of free info out there though - would recommend Googling "AirBnB Data Guy" where he gives his thought process in doing the analysis. 

(If so they will require you to submit forms every year until you sell so they can collect their state income tax on top of any state income tax where you buy.)