Somewhere that I want to vacation regularly or retire to that has "short-term rental" friendly laws.

For the 3 triplex I own in San Diego, I only have regular home insurance.

If someone wants $ upfront or rates are equal to or better than regular rates (4-6%) then it’s a scam

For some reason if you don't have a real estate license, the seller's thing you don't know what you are doing and don't want to waste their time, when it fact, many regular buyers actually know way more then the realtor..If the property is already scheduled for an auctions, they bank might not take any offers anyway and just wait for the auction.

I have used Legalzoom in the past for regular Corp formation and it has been no problem.

Hi Joseph - you'll be happy to know that there are a few real estate meetup groups that are already well established here in Fresno -  I can't give too many details without them flagging this post  -  but I will say this - that if you look up REIA meetup groups for Fresno - you will definitely find AT LEAST TWO major groups that meet regularly.

Consider that most fatigue and medical conditions originate in diet (lack of minerals and such) Dr.

Think those tax deferred investments in the regular market are an important part of a balanced portfolio.

Are the other 3 units rented to students or "regulars?" 

Nobody so far asked me to be exclusive or asked me to provide any financial evidences, which to me seem they are not interested in looking for rental unit, it might be more efforts that regular home buyer.