While our first rental was in 2012, we have been actively investing since 2015.

@David Medina  - The material they teach is accurate, and from people who are active investors. 

Active license?

VRBO will remove fake posts if alerted to them, but they're not the most pro-active at policing them.VRBO can be a good source of tenants, make sure you have very good photos, as your photos can be the difference between someone renting from you and from the next property on the list.

@Brett HearnI would lower credit score requirement to around 525 or 550 and up income requirement to 3X rent.Low credit score usually isn’t an issue if they don’t have evictions or criminal record and good landlord references.

Once you're back and actually ready to write an offer, check if any of the ones you like haven't already been sold, and go from there.At the end of the day real estate agents are salespersons, and salespersons generally activate when there's an able and willing buyer or seller -- a "market participant." 

Up and coming close to beaches, shopping, culture activities, restaurants, etc. in a growing and desirable town (St.

Yes, landlords who have rental activities that rise to the level of trade or business need to file 1099s. 

If they are renters with a lease, it would have to be a long lease for the lease to still be active after the foreclosure process is complete. 

There are a number of specialty providers that serve this niche, which is basically an IRA with a broader capacity for investing beyond the stock market.Several such providers are active here on BP and contribute to the community.There are two types of providers, and the best for you will depend on your investment goals.If you are thinking of something fairly singular and static, a self-directed IRA custodian will be a good fit.