Baselane is a banking and bookkeeping platform that was built specifically for real estate investors.

I am just starting out with a STR and found that VRBO is not very specific if they are collecting the tax and paying it to the State as a marketplace facilitator or am I responsible for this tax collection and payment ?

OTM = General, overhead/widescreen view of nationwide market tends.BPRE = Detailed ways specific people are making money in real estate.

So, the first question they usually ask a PMC is about fees - instead of asking about services and HOW those services are executed.EXAMPLE: PMC states they will handle tenant screening – what does that specifically mean?

He left his job last year and my team found him a property to flip.

Without know more specifics, I'd suggest selling what you have now and investing in properties closer to where you live (and pursue 1031 exchanges).

In many cases bigger banks or lenders have specific programs that cater to first time home buyers and investors. 

3) how did you decide on the specific city you chose to invest in?

If you can come up with specifics such as how you do your lead gen, an overview of your current pipeline and the reason why your deals are falling through it would be much easier to help out. 

You'll also want to make sure you have your full team ready so you can be prepared when the right deal comes along.