>  Take advantage of my solid credit and employment to finance an investment property that I can use to generate cash flow and (maybe) live rent-free.Those are my goals, though I've asked a few questions about how to go about defining the type and location of property I should be considering (or at least how to start thinking about it).  

I am new at this so please bear with me.  I'm shopping financing to acquire <8 acres along the ICW that is already zoned for 9 lots with boat docks.  An investor asked me if the property was entitled.  The City has...

We are making the transition from simply collecting real estate without any clearly defined goal to intelligently investing in real estate to achieve a specific end.

Above board legal Airbnb is a bit tricky because laws generally fall into 3 categories or somewhere between:  defined and strict, defined and flex ( rare, but check texas :), or undefined ( not stable, because they will change ).  

It is also defined by happening quickly, which could be reassigning a contract, double closing or even holding the property for a few days before selling.

Make sure you begin it with a clearly defined end in mind.

. - Network with people in the business so you can start to develop your team and define your strategy.Ideally you want to put the pieces in place so that the moment it is apparent you are ready, you can move fast.

Going forward, everything will be in writing with a defined timeline and draw schedule. 

All three people could be moving in different directions if goals aren't clearly defined.

I define value as far as turnkey is concerned as limiting risk.