If I'm in your shoes I would use this as an opportunity to set the tone with the tenant about how you operate as a landlord! 

A few weeks after paying the $25k, we set up our first meeting with our assigned CPA and started the so-called “advanced tax courses” provided, which are generic modules that only vaguely introduce financial concepts, topics, and terminology.

I would set up hookups for water, sewer and electric according to code and write a lease for it that makes sense.

., I would say start developing a relationship with small jobs like pressure washing or dryer vent cleaning. 

Just set it at 50 and maybe break the off switch.  

Spend a set amount of time educating yourself and then jump in is my advice.

Also worth noting, unlike the stock market where you can buy into the broader market and the market price is set, real estate you are buying a single specific deal where prices are not set.

. - Second Home Loans & Seller ConcessionsOne way to off-set some of the unanticipated costs above is by utilizing more favorable and flexible lending and mortgage terms.

Do mid term rentals listed through airbnb still need a separate, formal lease, similar to how a LTR would be set up.. or is the airbnb booking enough and provide enough safety to the landlord (e.g., tenant doesn't pay, destroys property, etc.)? 

It sounds like a whole new set of challenges such as finding builders and starting the business from scratch.Next steps:I could really use some recommendations from this group:We need to find an agent/broker, CPA and lawyer that has experience with thisWe are already speaking to 2 local banks about SBA and conventional loans but are there other options or folks we can speak to?