My advice is to stop listening to the people you overheard. 

Maybe that challenge would make the investing journey seem more "fun" but you are in a position that sooooo many people dream of. 

It's in the country so people looking in that area generally want peace and quiet.

We were able to get seller credit to help off-set the cost, but now we have heard of some people getting a free roof with the installation of solar.

Some of those can be good, but most are just regurgitated versions of other people's courses.If you want to be successful in real estate investing, start with transparency.If you are a new investor, use it to your advantage.

Some leases are very rudimentary, some appear to be copies of copies written years ago, a lot of people like to add additional provisions.

Does that mean that I can only rent the place out to people that share the same finances?

This is a great place to learn and to meet people so take advantage of all the great resources. 

Was like most people who get into STR deals, wanted higher return.

Most of the well know people in the note business are on Bigger Pockets.