The platform doesn't matter, its the investment you are putting your money in.

@Alexei CarpovI can 2nd Elena’s comment, Boca does not allow short term rentals and have been pretty good in looking them up on platforms like airbnb and then handing out fines.While I agree it’s a great way to make more income than traditional rentals, please do some of your own research to make sure you’re not getting in trouble with local laws, statutes and limitations.

But then I wake up the next day and here I am replying to you on a Real Estate Investing platform, *** I could be passively [not replying] but looking at "beautiful" real estate pictures on Instagram. 

There are tools in addition like Airdna, Mashvisor, studying comps in a given area (ie on the Abb/Vrbo platform) but imo someone who operates in that space locally (realtor or local investor) is going to be the most helpful/accurate/easiest medium for info.

If you think you have "found a deal" on a public open-source platform... you may want to consider why no one else has purchased it. 

I just love the wealth of knowledge on this platform.  

You have little leverage over bad actors thousands of miles away but platforms like BP can significantly affect their future business and we should not be afraid to use it

Thankful for such a great platform with such helpful people!

Everything "seems" legit, what are your go-to processes to properly vet a lender?

Could be legit but your friends needs to kick some tires.