help with first ATL Purchase/STR

[Robb Silverstein]

Hello . I am looking at getting a condo or maybe a house. Likely STR but open to just having long term as well. Budget is around 200-250K. Since I am out of state I am really looking for some "boots on the ground" to guide me through the process . I'm not even sure of location but so far leaning Atlanta, Providence,

I have few questions though. 

1. Being out of state how hard is it too fully furnish a STR without visiting?

2. Condos get SUCH a bad rep on here which makes me really not want to go that route but the thing I do like is that it seems less competitive to get, and allows me to get a prime location for less money than a house. Is there anyone on here who has made it work numbers wise recently with condos? Either STR or just renting on a yearly basis. If you did it yearly, do you find it much harder to attract tenants at a condo vs a house? I would think people would like being right in the middle of everything and not having a commute.

3. Is there a way without spending hours upon hours to find specific buildings and cities that are good for condo investing. I obviously don't want to worry about assessments or some crazy HOA clause. I don't mind the HOA fee's if I feel everything else works.

Sorry for the essay . This would be my first investment and really looking for any guidance!

-Robb