Over the last several months, I have been reading, listening and studying up on financial independence. 

There is no easy way to find specific zoning regulations since it is done by locale but with a little luck you should be able to do a Google search using the key words: STR zoning followed by the locale's name.Zoning laws can always change but I'm thinking that once a locale creates specific short term rental zoning language, they aren't as likely to change those regulations as a locale that has no specific STR zoning language on the books.

I was bitten by the real estate bug about 6 months ago and have been studying ever since.

I also studied for my certificate in Real Estate at NYU where I took courses in Real Estate accounting.

Many times the only satisfaction I get is knowing they now have an eviction/judgement on their record, and knowing that no decent LL will rent to them.However, in some states one can attach liens to certain property in certain instances.Your best defense is knowing the law better than your tenants, and that can be addressed by reading some reference books and studying your state laws online.

Grad courses may be open but I'm sure they would want to know more about a student before allowing them in to an advance course.I have mentioned getting college level text books many times and I think many are great for self study.

With these words you will find it, but thats all german language :).

Think you need to do a more in depth market study than calling the place down the road.

No recommendations for team members but suggest you begin by going on line and study your state landlord tenant regulations.

Again you will need to study your state codes.Based on your situation you should be buying far below market which will more than offset your costs.