It's a tough business, but admirable! 

It's a long-term learning process, but an interesting and often profitable journey - best of luck to you!

I think investing from Internet is pretty tough right now. 

However, we will likely need a property manager to assist with some facets of running this rental (since we would not live locally) and would primarily market it through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO to start, (eventually setting up a direct booking process).Here's our question for those who have experience in STR's or who might be involved in a similar scenario: How challenging is it to meet the material participation hours needed to achieve active status?

I think it's tough to find a good BRRRR deal on market.

Hi Melanie, I both own and manage in the area and to be honest, the market in Kissimmee/Davenport is tough right now unless you're willing to invest a lot of capital into high end theming. 

Given my circumstances, asking any of their family members to co-sign on a mortgage loan feels like a tough ask, as I wouldn’t want to place that kind of pressure on someone.

Bank financing is very tough for anyone starting out so HML is generally ( unless you use your own cash or cash in your network) the only funding there is.. the goal has to be though moving towards bank financing so you get the best deal possible.. right now I am at 1/2 point and 7% and my bank pays for my appraisals.

Tough last name to have in the land of the Golden State Warriors ;-)I have a client in Kansas City, MO that has done something similar with one of his larger homes.

Quote from @Kevin Robert Highgate: The ability to invest in property and replace your W2 income quickly is tough.