The very aggravating part is that I never hear back from the person.

I personally would stay away from an attorney because many of them do title on the side. 

I have purchased several properties in other states without seeing them in person.

I don’t personally invest in STR’s, but previously served as legal counsel for a company that owned a hotel portfolio valued over $1B, and understand the space and policy considerations that are creating barriers across the country.

This is not a means for you to invest in real estate personally, and you cannot personally benefit such as by keeping the income yourself. 

As a sales professional, you'll find that one of the greatest benefits of investing in real estate is tax saving -- I'm not a CPA and can't advise on this, but I've personally saved a fortune through REP status and cost segregation. 

So, your mortgages will be secured by real estate and personally guaranteed by you personally.

The person you spoke with may be referencing earnest money deposit (buyer showing the seller they have skin in the game; this can be refundable or non refundable).Some lenders require an application fee (junk fee) and those lenders typically are more expensive to begin with.

You have tons of options and it always depends this is not personalized advice just general info let us know if you have any other questions  

Personally, I would do what you do best.