Even tried craigslist and local paper once.

Consult a CPA or real estate attorney to understand tax implications, build a reserve fund for unexpected costs, and research local regulations to ensure a smooth and profitable transition into rental property ownership.Good luck!

Tahoe isn't ideal right now as the local community is vehemently anti-Airbnb and the permitting system is challenging to navigate.

The pref layer is a third party institutional player.  

If you have a local appliance store near the rental, go there and talk to them. 

Unless you use a local professional familiar with the market, who you trust, best way to know a good deal is to study the market.

@Tim Bergstrom I am a lender with a local bank here in Louisville and an investor personally as well. 

Buy a used book and find someone local who's doing the thing, and make them your mentor.

We've invested around $50,000 in improvements (central air and hardscaping) and our mortgage is a 30-year fixed at 2.5%, with a PITI of $2400.We think it could rent for $3,750 - $4,000 per month based on local comps.

Attend local real estate investor (REI) meetings and get to know people.