I'd tend to suggest just using an online lead service over learning PPC and websites just because that can become expensive really fast and you're competing against quite a few players which drive up the cost of keywords really fast.

I know that the big players in the STR market have been the Smokey’s, parts of Florida and Joshua Tree but it seems like the price point are high and the bidding competition is crazy.

I also recommend going to local investor meet-ups to see who the ball players are locally. 

If it was me, I would ditch the DVR and HBO and put in a streaming BluRay player or a Roku. 

However, there need to be much more bigger players (companies) to move in to get us to become the next Austin.

You need to hire someone who knows all the players.  

Market Selection - Prioritize proximity to national parks, tourism destinations, mountain markets and markets that are less seasonal.

I successfully completed my first one nearly thirty years ago.Of note to would-be players: Surplus funds are generated by mortgage, deed of trust and certain types of lien sales whereby the forced sale generates an excess above the secured debt and cost of sale. 

However, I think it's important for you to be able to prioritize repairs. 

I feel like my case is (or should be) peanuts compared to the kind of RE deals the big players are involved in.