I'd also become an absolute savage with saving as much as you possibly can from your primary income source.  

Governments will look for other sources of income = taxes in other areas. 

What is your source for this info?

Airbnb has been a great source of income for me but for the time being, I've transitioned to monthly rentals at least for the summer and have tenants moving in on Thursday.

An investment, if done properly, is an income generating asset that will grow your wealth.As far as choosing a market, Destin/30A/PCB is a tourism and STR hot spot, so there is data from several sources that you can use to estimate what you should be able to bring in on an annual basis.

if so, how much money down is needed down for a rehab loan; and what are great sources fir such loans?

You will need to clarify details with your lenders but FHA and first time buyer loan products are typically owner-occupant loans, so may not be applicable in your plans.You also mentioned contacting a Realtor in California- they should be able to help source out a Realtor in Boise to help with any purchase there.  

There will always be another good deal just like this when you are ready to buy.I would definitely agree to look for other sources for the downpayment but then remember that you will have to pay this back... and it will come out of your cash flow so you will be paying out of pocket each month.

This means you can not get a mortgage..to be able to get a mortgage in US, instead of waiting for one year, you can file the W7 case h: mortgage for property investment, attach a enclose a letter from a mortgage provider that says you need an ITIN to get a mortgage.The elephant in the room: how your domestic jurisdiction treats US incomeSome tax jurisdiction (Hong Kong for example) apply territorial taxation, which means that only domestically sourced income is considered for tax.

Ultimate goal is to have other sources of income gradually.Thanks for any tips...