I'm looking for neighborhood recommendations in the Sarasota area for a short/mid-term single family or townhome investment in the 400k-500k range.

I would recommend making use of all the free resources available through BiggerPockets and the internet.

For point #4, do you have any recommendations on how to find a good sponsor?

With a 9-5 job too busy to catch a breather, being that it will be my first rental property would you recommend finding a property management company to oversee the investment property OR create a profile on a property management platform, I am thinking about Avail unless there is a better platform, to collect rent and hire specialist as issues arise from tenants?

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I also highly recommend a boutique hotel mastermind.

Going live as a STR in 2 weeks Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

.), but the bedrooms are regular keys, as @Jonathan C. mentioned for the front door, the unit is set up to send me an email when the batteries are low. i also have another student rental ( 8 rooms, 2 entry, 2 units + utility room) one master key and each bedroom has its own key that will get students in the entry, there unit, and there own bedroom. had a locksmith do that one. cost me a few hundred dollars with keying and supplying the locks ( 13 total ). i like both setups but may look into the landlord locks again for my 3rd student rental i just purchased.

I would recommend anyone lending in this environment to fix and flippers or any type of investment to be careful and get a personal guaranty and make sure person has a long track record.