But I always have my heart set on escaping this rat race.So I kept working, every chance I got.

Networking - the more relationships you have, the more deals you see and the better chance a cherry falls in your lap3.

Our area is highly regulated, as you are learning fast in this forum post :) Whether its local government or the HOAs, chances are, your STR plan is going to run into a lot of obstacles.

What are the chances of this action jeopardizing the deal?

Property A and B are lake lots next to each other and Property A is now foreclosed on.Property A - 1/2 acre lot, with a tear down home on it.  10 year old septic/drain field for this home is on Property B, which original owner still owns next door.Property B - 1/2 acre lot, 5 year old garage on it.  

This will dramatically increase your chances of finding something that suits your needs and maybe even something below market value.

I may of misquoted him, for whatever reason he was waiting on something, and I missed my chance to take a swing at the property before it was re-listed with an agent. 

It also gives us a chance to recognize the flaw and adapt our thinking to not sabotage our goals.

If they have already made the decision to sell and decide to go with a large agency rather than a small one, the chances you are going to get that lead is close to zero anyways. 

You also have the chance to move to a piece of real estate maybe of. a different type or location that can provide a better NOI for you.