Just meet the players in your area and see if any would be willing to talk to a new guy.

Welcome Dan, my brother actually started in real estate after having been a professional poker player for a couple of years.

Also don't miss the meetup in Fairfield on October 28th, 7pm at Anna Liffey's - fantastic networking event where you will meet most of the players (new and established) in this area.

I'd suggest networking with the players in your market.  

In particular Fathom Realty seems to be a one of the larger players in this space along with Premier Agent Network.So my question is are their others that I should be looking at?  

I saw a former NFL player the other day who is now delivering mail for the post office.

I'm currently working on quite a bit right now but would like to create a plan with a real path to purchasing my first STR in 12 months.So for you experienced players out there, what you say to me (STR newbie) if i said i want to build a few STRs in different markets for my family and me to visit as awesome vacay destinations?

I invited 4 of my areas bigger players including: 2 that are excellent at raising private capitol, a master wholesaler (yes this does exist) and an investor that has the best cash buyers lists I've ever seen (he has sold 45 flips this year!)   

There are so many new players making offers out there that can't really close quickly (or at all).  

People who buy and sell regularly will know the market and the players.