Picking personalities is a really crucial part of the process and making sure that the vibe stays positive and collaborative.

We all know the key to investing is gaining deeper knowledge and insights.

Possibly renting out rooms in my first purchase as well as staying in the property myself.  

This could provide a steady stream of additional income while allowing you to stay in the home you like.Short-term rental: If renting out a room isn't feasible, you could explore the option of short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb.

Not many people go price shopping, they find the STR they want to stay at and just book it.

My understanding was putting into an LLC is a good way to protect against liabilities and stay "anonymous?"

Typically Investors complete a 1031 exchange out of active ownership/management into a DST because they are looking to defer capital gains and stay in real estate to build their wealth but are tired dealing with tenants, trash and toilets. 

Also realize most loans are not assumable, so you would be selling subject to the mortgage, which means your name still stays on title and if they stop paying you are the one foreclosed on.

If you have STRs there: - Do you stay busy year round?

Then you have owners who have debt and want to wrap the loan and sell and make the delta I like this the best as they will stay in the game  they have control of the underlying debt and they have a document ( all inclusive Deed of Trust) that they can foreclose out the owner finance buyer.