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.  

Look at places like Oahu where overnight 90% were made illegal.2, SFHs are dollar for dollar very inefficient, financing is easy and they are more liquid but your most valuable asset is time so if you go into STRs and SFHs you could find yourself at a loss of years before you gain traction.3, Watch what the big players are doing (I know that some hedge funds are buying SFHs but not at the rate as large multi-family)4.

Something that will catapult you in is establishing a working relationship with a real estate player who you respect.

I'm just saying that even as a small player when compared to the big 5, nothing I do is without scrutiny as a lender/investor from some ambulance chaser looking to shake a few bucks off of my tree.