I'm starting to scan for my first property and trying to understand the process.

I don't have a referral for an arborist for you, but if you can get a certified arborist to sign off on it, there is a process by which the tree(s) can be removed.

Pics & Videos of the property and whatever else you need.

She produced a driver's license but the pic on it is so poor we really couldn't tell if it was her.

Running a successful STR comes down to 3 Ps: pics, people & pricing.1) Decorate your house nicely & pay a professional photographer to take some amazing pics2) Hire amazing people - cleaners, handyman, recruit some neighbors to help fill in the gaps, & self-manage or hire an offshore VA to manage the property if you'd rather make yourself rich instead of making a local property manager rich (more on that here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/... )3) Price fiercely to maximize profits not occupancy (they're not the same thing).

Definitely get some professional pics.

I have had to scan them and email them in at times.It’s a great tool when conducting due diligence.  

Lemme see if I can post a pic...https://i.imgur.com/usHelll.jpg

Welcome to BP and be sure to scan the other forums to get a lot of questions answered by the professionals with experience as well.

Receiving phone calls from potential tenants and answering questions, going to location for showings, scanning and approving/declining applications, running background checks/employment histories, placing marketing signs at locations, placing online and newspaper ads, taking calls from current tenants (answer questions, fix problems, collect rent, send late notices, process payments, make payments/deposits to investor's accounts, arrange repairs/maintenance and oversee contractors and other service providers, take calls from investors and answer questions, serve default notices, attend eviction proceedings and court appearances, and I am sure I am missing some other items as well.That all takes time and effort, gas money, car payments, phone bills, marketing expenses, etc.