I'd recommend nothing shorter than 5 years.Regarding your specific questions:1) Yes, any competent closing agent (title company or attorney, depending on your state) can prepare the note and security instrument (security deed, mortgage, etc.) you need.2) See 1.

It definitely can help add time back into your life and they can be a great source of information on vacancy rates, current market rent rates, etc. 

A lot of opportunities to buy aged C-class homes at 8, 9, 10 caps.Small investor expense ratios are 40%.Large operator expense ratios are 37/38 %.Large platforms/institution expense ratios are 33/34%Big benefit of blanket insurance policies is to drive costs down.A lot of BFR is looking for a bridge product for 2 years to hope rates get back down in the 5% range.Cannot use HPA on BFR communities you plan on selling based on cash flow.5-18% rental premium being achieved based on new construction communities compared to new construction scatter sites.For real time comps go to biggest operators BFR, small multifamily.More confidence about the cost of construction having stabilized.Some products which will not be good for retail buyers will also not be good for rentals.

My mortgage interest rate is 3%.

There's a lot of research you could do on VRBO/AirBNB/AirDNA to compare similar properties in terms of rates and occupancy, but my experience is that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are more popular because of the nearby amenities, nightlight, recreation, and other things to do. 

Depending how much you earn you can step up those savings by getting a side-hustle.

Chances are you'll want to refi in a few years anyway once rates fall.

I also will be doing some fix and flips depending on how the process goes.

However if you are charging your Short term rate maybe you do. 

My sister is selling her house to me; however, we want to do a mortgage transfer since she currently has a 2.5% interest rate, but the bank will only pay what is owed on the current mortgage.