Are you looking for a SFR or small MF?

STR loophole or strategy is a great way to help defer taxes. 

I know there is some back or forth on whether these are considered an unsolicited sales call or not.

Quote from @Zachary Deal: @Joshua Kavadi As @Zachary Deal and Chris said, you'll need to know that not every deal is a home run or even a triple.

Any tips or advice before I dive into this process?

I work in Potomac, MD, and would like to buy a condo or apt that I can easily commute and live in, and then eventually rent out, and then buy another. 

Most of the population is relying on card or electronic payment options.

If you identify a problem, ask the seller if it was pre-existing or caused by the current tenant.

One key he found was mixing a welcoming atmosphere with firm guidelines.. it typically falls under standard tenant landlord laws for eviction.. so you’ll want to double-check local regulations.You mentioned Furnished Finders and Padslipt.com.. from what I’ve heard, those can be great if you’re targeting traveling professionals or short term visitors.

@Clark Harbaugh, Given the favorable tax rulings over the last few years (in particular revolving around trusts and their equaling a beneficial interest in the underlining propery) the IRS has actually been much more lenient (or at least silent) on these issues.