As my wife is a realtor, we’ve helped several people from Bigger Pockets find their second home/STR.

Also, why do you think so many people are advised to get an LLC when starting in RE investing? 

You might be some answers here but local people will be better. 

There's no step by step guide but there are key things : Learn: RE strategies, what interests you, what do people in your area need.Connect: find a mentor, accountability group and be around those doing what you want to do.Help: solve problems- do people need dealflow, property mgmt, construction expertise, etc. 

The big thing is always focus on protecting the public, disclose, and take care of people.

This group is full of knowledgeable people, though you may sometimes get conflicting advice.

Quote from @Josh Lansberry: You will hear a lot of people bad-mouth him, but Dave Ramsey can teach you how to get financially savvy real quick.

I did not want to simply rely on one source so I figured there are people here that would be up-to-date if such a manner was so as well. 

There isn't really a lot of people looking to rent a 3500sqft house and that may translate in longer vacancies.

Quote from @Jim Vasica: I would get some people out there to quote it..