Only allow inspections after the contract is signed and locked in (if possible).Ultimately, gauge the buyer's credibility—are they responsive, experienced, and able to close?

We experienced real estate investors tend to look at most “guru” type training/mentorship as, at the very best, inadequate to provide the new investor with a reasonable pathway to success.  

The rules are more complex than we can fully explain in an online forum.

I was seeing information online that suggested both routes...Thanks in advance for the help!

Quote from @Michael Smythe: @Tuan Tran don't fall for all the hype about S8 by so called online "gurus"!

As an experienced agent working on the Cushman Homes team, I can help guide you through your own STR journey.

What is the best way to go about finding these property listings online before they go to the auctions?

@Jorge Vazquez we stopped doing signs over 10 years ago.We had a separate phone number on our signs, so were able to track traffic & applications from them.We were getting more & BETTER leads from our online ads then the signs - so an easy choice to stop using them (also time & money savings).

Each deal comes with a different set of surprises even for the most experienced operators.Take your time and don't rush it. 

Sounds like it might be doable, especially since you have already experienced what it would be like.