I want to get my hands dirty if for no other reason than to learn the mechanics behind this business.

When I run a potential tenant through the clerk of the court and they have 6 citations in 3 years...speeding...running stop sign...no insurance card etc...to me that indicates a failure to obey the law and follow the rules and I think they would do that as a tenant also...my property manager disagrees and says we all do it...I do not have 1 citation on the clerk's site !

I have some financial scars from a past business failure.

It helps alot when you know how to talk to people, my fulltime job I am a salesman/mechanic.

What are investors successes and failures when it comes to vacation properties?

Most investors who have been in this business awhile will have experienced setbacks, failure, lost money, lost time, and other devastating events.

Not disclosing the option price to an appraiser also will be a lending violation, failure to disclose an option price paid is also a violation of ALTA requirements and the settlement agent will fail to properly account for settlements.  

Most eviction papers say due to failure of paying rent...etc...but this is not the issue..?

@Justin Fraser Yes, it's disconcerting trying to get all the mechanics working, but it always (usually) seems to work out!

And as a newcomer to the country I would prefer to start with well-known and easy stuff.My advantage is diligence and honesty; I can admit my failures, learn on it and apologize if needed.