Michael, something I want to add to your spot-on comments; I see a lot of inexperienced STR buyers, buying a property to be a STR either on their own (FSBO or through the listing agent), or through a buyer agent that has little to no experience with STR's and who doesn't have a a great STR network, strategy, has no ability to analyze a property's STR potential, doesn't know how to assess and recommend remodel or what it will cost or how long it will take and what's required by city/county, etc.

My current flow is 1) find a house that matches the configuration (X beds, Y bath)  in a certain neighborhood (Redfin or my agent)2) pull up rent data in rentometer / Zillow 3) run through my spreadsheet with expenses, taxes, insurances and etc I would love these to be automated.

Using blockchain to maintain a compliant investor stack and using layer 2s to connect settlement brokers with transfer agents. 

One thing I would recommend, though, is to connect with a trusted real estate agent to assess the ARV properly before you submit any bids.

I’ve found 3 local credit unions and two other banks my real estate agent recommended. 

It looks like there are a few different ways to find potential partners - joining an investment club, real estate events in your area, other real estate agents, reaching out to property owners and managers you know, friends and family, lenders (hard money, traditional), financial advisors, crowdfunding, targeting your network (which I am sure you have a great one being a real estate agent!)

Hello All,I'm Suraj, a mortgage agent from Toronto.

I would hook up with an investor focused agent, whether it be local or out of state, that will really be able to help you find something under the time crunch of the 1031 to avoid those capital gains.The other thing to consider that is that if you lived in the home for the 2 of the last 5 years, and are married, then you won’t pay capital gains taxes on the first $500k of gains.I hope this is helpful.

I am a brand new agent located in East County, San Diego. 

However, a good realtor should help make sure you don't buy something using unrealistic numbers.An agent that I spoke with actually informed me of the information regarding the 7% rule.