Do STR make more sense with my goals?

[Gurjot Grewal]

Since I started educating myself on real estate as a way to invest my money, I have had LTR in the back of my mind. Realistically thinking about what is my goal with RE, I have come to the conclusion it isn't to retire from my job, but reduce the time I put into my job. I enjoy my work, I only work 24h a week( so I have extra time to focus on managing real estate). After taxes, I comfortably save 80k CAD (62k USD) a year. I am a sub-contracted worker, but my work is very mentally and physically demanding. I would like within the next 8 years to reduce this to 12h a week, and would like to replace half my monthly income through real estate. 

So with this in mind, my goal is more cash flow. I don't have any experience with renos and don't feel comfortable yet taking on a BRRR project, especially at a distance. Since the start of this year I have dedicated minimum 2h/day to REI education wether thru books, podcasts, market research this forum etc. I am not opposed to putting in the work. From my understanding, STR are more time-consuming. Involve more upkeep. And can result in repairs etc. I am okay with that as long as I am profiting.

I would be investing in the US from Canada. I have about 80k CAD (62K USD) saved at the moment. 

When I look in markets like Cleveland, I can buy 2 turnkey properties a year with about 350 cash flow for each. (Not saying this is my strategy but would like to discuss this with members of this forum) 

Say my goal is 3.8k USD (5k CAD) it would take me about 10-11 properties to reach this. About 5 years. Not taking into account the additional cash flow, potential equity or anything which would all be reinvested. 

If I go into a market where the STR strategy works, based off what I have read and heard I may reach this 3.8k USD number much quicker.

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What are some things I may be overlooking? 

Is my current savings enough to get me into an STR market? ( I have looked into some cities in Florida that seem to be in my budget)

Reading some old posts it seems most investors spend anywhere from 4-6h/week per property managing STR is this an accurate number?

Other than being more "passive" is there any reason I should do LTR over STR?

One thing that concerns me is the property sitting vacant most of the year. Is this a valid concern?