The vast majority of persons who start in REI, to do standard rentals, who operate solo, using their own $ to "grow" portfolio and NOT using OPM or Pyramiding, most often after ~20 years have "as many as" 4-7 properties.

I will begin searching through the BP library.2) Does anyone have any experience with managing and Air bnb while out of state or overseas?

If you buy right, manage property, learn to screen tenants (or PM companies), and hold long enough you'll be vastly ahead a person growing one tree.

I even picked up a practice test booklet from the library where I work (I work at a college), but it was from 2010.

The vast majority, as others have said, insure the structure, or common walls, or some just the exterior wall's studs and you're responsible for the interior. 

I think it is unfortunate that so many people are led into believing there are vast riches that can be made easily and quickly in real estate, rather than through diligence, hard work and patience.

ADA is more about public places like restaurants, libraries, clubs, schools etc...The relevant federal regulations is HUD's Fair Housing Act, and Emotional Support Animals are covered and protected under that. 

Southeast Regional Library at Guadalupe and Greenfield, may have meeting spaces for the right price (FREE), I can check if we get a solid 6-8 person commit.

The state has a vast amount of undeveloped land, but the Anchorage area is bound between mountains, ocean, and government/military land. 

Like I said, that's the VAST majority of people (probably at least 95%).