Once you locate an area, dig into the average nightly rate, create a spreadsheet that calculates average occupancy (AirDNA can provide this) along with average nightly rate and begin plugging in properties & expenses in your target area to see if these align with your goals.

I'd be happy to provide a revenue projection as a short term rental if you'd be interested.

I'd also highly recommend getting an appraisal or at least having your real estate agent provide a BPO prior to negotiating with any "investors". 

Are there specific networking events, online platforms, or strategies that have proven effective for building relationships with investors?

Kudos to the sponsors that are being transparent but many sponsors are not, and continue to provide the "we are not distressed" messaging up until the day that they send a capital call request to investors.

- I use an online credit/eviction/criminal background check service, should I expect them to be able to fill out and pay via the online service?

It is pretty straight forward - I would provide the sourcing, the loan vehicle (it would be my primary mortgage loan), and the property management while my sibling would bring the downpayment.

The utility provider never contacted me about it so I didn’t know until they got evicted.

As for the numbers, from what I have researched online rents are up today by at least $200 more for similar homes. 

But I look at it the other way: be sure that your 100% recap is actually available and provides adequate cash flow to maintain the property going forward.