If your area is conducive or you are willing to pay the taxes and abide by your local regulations STRs can generate incredible cashflow.

I understand every sale/state could potentially be different, but is their such a guide online that gives a STEP BY STEP rundown of who generally does what at what point in the process, along with best practices?

It might seem ok in theory, but in practice you’re bound to have issues.

Local jurisdiction can be more restrictive:SFR (including condos) requires 60 days if tenant has been there over a year and 30 days if less than a year.Mfr is not allowed to terminate lease solely to move another tenant into the unit since the statewide rent control regulation.  

I would recommend getting your hands on a template of a PA and assignment contracts and pay a one-time fee to an Attorney to review and make sure it complies with your local regulations. 

You may in fact be responsible for rent until the landlord can re-rent the unit, but the landlord also doesn't get to "double dip" (charge you 3 months rent if s/he rents it out in a month).In practical terms, you may have some leverage as far as mutually agreeing to end the lease, vs. forcing the landlord to evict you to regain possession of the unit, especially in the current environment when the eviction courts are quite backed up.I'm definitely not a lawyer, and you're asking a legal question, so I would urge you to consult one on this.

Is that a common practice with utility companies?

Yes, but it is a lot easier with a credit score, so best practice is to start building your credit history.

One of the few places that's regulations allow it.

You need practice to become an expert in any field, and honestly, your first 20 calls are going to be horrible but step by step you're going to feel better and more confident in your ability to perform.