I have a few tips for someone like yourself starting;1.

I agree with many that getting your FICO up is a great tip, it can look insurmountable I'm sure. 

It would be great if it could turn into a business that I will be able to run and leave my current daytime office job (target is within 10 years).

I typically don't work from the office, but you may find it helpful to "shadow" an agent as well 

You'll need to either call to small banks for this type of a loan or work with a mortgage broker - specifically, a loan officer that works with multiple banks. 

Does anyone have a few tips or things they wish they would have known etc before they started an Airbnb!?

Ideal situation would be a 3/2 (or a 2/2 with a separate office since I work from home), small yard, decent neighborhood, washer and dryer in-house/unit in a neighborhood where you're hard-pressed to find bars on the windows and front door. 

It turns out that when I opened the Delinquent Tax File that what they had in fact sent me from the Tax Assessors office was a spreadsheet of Tax Sale Properties, I did follow up and request the current Delinquent Property Owners list, however, it occurred to me that the list they sent is really a CASH BUYERS LIST.

I know there is increased risk but I learn by doing and I've also got a very high risk tolerance.QUESTIONS:In order to be in compliance with local law, is the sheriff's office the best place to start?

I am specifically focusing on Long Distance REI (shout out to David Greene) and I'm all ears if anyone has any tips/tricks they would like to share.Stoked to be a part of this awesome community!