If I had to choose one of the other I would regrettably choose Airbnb as they bring more business, but VRBO is less intrusive in my business than Airbnb Customer Service.

Since you are taking on additional liability having tenants in place, you're probably going to want to update your insurance policy and put some sort of asset protection in place - most people use an LLC for a small portfolio.

I am just beginning my real estate journey and I'd love to get to know new people who have been at this for a while.

If I need to undergo a colonoscopy to determine if a lender makes a 30 year loan to people with an 815 FICO at 85% LTV with an in place tenant and monthly income of $1400 with a market value of $125,000, or if you can't tell me any interest rate info until I submit my tax returns to you...

Then you simply deny them.What it does, unfortunately, is induce people who aren't qualified to apply because you can't exclude them in the advertising or on a blind inquiry.

Because the program is about educating people on investment properties, does that mean one will have to spend time searching for properties on their own, using the methods/advice provided?

People have achieved your dream in the 80s when rates were in the double digits.

In Louisiana, this process is typically much more lax and I know several people who have succeeded in having homestead exemptions on several properties at once (no idea whether it's legal). 

So you just bring that up?  

I’ve heard people say don’t do it, but not sure why and frankly don’t want to be dishonest if they ask.