It's on our resources page here, if you scroll down a bit: https://www.biggerpockets.com/resources

My advice in this type of question is to consult with a real estate professional or financial advisor can also help you make informed choices about investing in that particular area.

so... what if you :-ignored the headlines-were an individual in a strong financial position-bought an STR in a place you believed in and liked to visit, and-were willing to put in some time, effort and funds over 1 or 3 or 5 years?

*This is not financial advice.

Small shops just wont have the resources to train a new agent properlly.

There are so many resources here! 

I use Joseph Andrews with New Penn Financial.

There's also the SD IRA LLC, Checkbook version that's being touted, but found some Self Directed info warning to be careful with these.I'm interested in:- Obtaining rental property for income, AND tax benefits- Do some re-habs during the year (3-4/yr.)I have IRA resources available, and would like to leverage those resources in pursuit of the above interests.

I think your able to refine you're efforts, and resources, to more get yo more fertile ground by using a refined mailing list.

I would spend summers working at job sites so the construction aspect is not foreign to me.I am also a trained CFP, certified financial planner, so the numbers aspect is not confusing.I suppose the main challenge I have is actually buying a house.