Research financing options like portfolio loans or working with international-friendly banks.

I wrote a letter to all my family and friends to let them know what I was doing.

A friend recommended a known realtor in that town to sent a referral.Question: Can the referral agreement stipulate that the referral fee (if a transaction is closed with my referred client) be paid during the closing of the transaction, for transparency and expediency? 

Once you’ve identified STR friendly locations, figure out your financing with your brother to help narrow down your price range and market options.

I have some friends who have and have not looked back.

Good point - At least in FL, since I am licensed I can pay to the other agent's broker legally.We pay the same regardless if it is an RE agent or not, i.e. we pay that same rate to friends, family, current clients, vendors, etc.

I eventually tracked down the lady who owns it, gave her a call, and we had a friendly conversation about her house and real estate deals of her past.

Preferably something that is app friendly.

You want to talk to friends and family on this, I don't know anyone who would see this on the Internet and be like, yeah, this sounds like exactly what I am looking to do with my money.

Or, perhaps a single family home and rent the rooms to your friends.