I watched the 3:28:27 YouTube video "How to start an AirBnB business the ultimate free course" Rob posted on his channel Robuit and now feel equipped with everything I need to start my 1st STR.

@Jacob Caffee, I think what John is getting at is: on BiggerPockets, there is a mid-term rental forum that would be the more appropriate place to post this request.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/925

I want to start taking steps to make that a reality.

I want to start from where I am familiar with.

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

You would need to ask contractors.You buy something already built and renovate, you get tenants in and start making money that much sooner.

Don’t you still have to place a down payment for the seller?

If the tenant had chose to leave, Iwould have rented the place either market or section 8 for more rent that they paid.  

@Alec Jacobs Perhaps start with seeking additional quotes.

Even if it's $1,000 - $2,000, when I've looked at it as an investment in my business, I usually have been quicker to start making money and making less mistakes.