People talk about bad experiences with the tenants not taking care of the property, but, that could happen with anyone.

I have read about it over the years and while is seemed a big far-fetched when I was younger, I am now at a place where I can see the logic of the expansion over multiple properties - I think it was the BRRRR method that really sold me - where each property can contribute to the down payment of the next property (Still have a lot to learns about the mechanics of that and the balance of the extra monthly payment cost of the cash out re-finance, but I can visualize the logic of the concept).Sincerely,Joe

. - Read the note yourself.

I also will be more careful with sending fully executed contracts. 

@Carter McGillTo begin investing in real estate, you must educate yourself, decide on your investment strategy, evaluate your financial status, study the area market, connect with other local investors, find investment opportunities, secure financing preapproval, carry out extensive due diligence, submit an offer, and move forward.Learn about real estate investment by reading books, listening to podcasts, using the internet, and connecting with knowledgeable investors.

We are always at the mercy of the OTAs.If you are still reading this I'll tell you one more change VRBO did silently that I found out after the fact.   

Please help  I recommend you read this article on OOS investing.

Once you get rolling make sure you take great care of your guests.

One strategy I've found that works well in the past is driving around, finding a property that is clearly a rental (a bit rundown, lawn not taken care of, etc.), then pulling the title for the properties that I find.

Furthermore you gotta be careful in Lake Worth there's better parts and some really rough areas.