It was my only option because I had limited funds and wanted a better future than my day job alone was going to provide.

There is a ton of opportunity off-market.Connect with an out of state investor agent that has a team that can cold-call. 

Just based on the info you provided I would take the loss and move on.

I can’t think of an expensive subscription that doesn’t provide an app.

I partnered with an experienced STR agent, Troy Nowak, and purchased my first short-term rental in Palm Harbor at the height of the real estate frenzy, navigating fierce competition and ultimately overcoming What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

My conclusion is that take the provided ROI calculations from REI as purely estimates.

I know becoming a part time agent is one way, but where we live in south Florida seems to be overfilled with agents and I don't think its a great fit for us right now. 

My focus is on providing either turnkey-style space for those interested in temporary, infrequent use or long-term leasing for business folks who require conference room space (or perhaps event space).

I told her that I need proof of liquid funds sufficient to cover 25% of the purchase price and to provide proof of that.  

Just from google search it says I need a real estate brokers agent license.