How do you pick a market for STR

[Pari Thiagasundaram]

I am planning on getting my first STR property and wondering where to invest ? Are there any websites that will give us the data on top AirBnB/VRBO destination with Average bookings, number of people visiting these destinations, occupancy percentage, cash flow a year etc?

Live in CA and wondering i should invest in my backyard or elsewhere in the country. Not looking for a property manager at this time and would like to manage it myself. 

[Paul Sandhu]

I do 23 STRs in my little town of 9500 people.  There is no tourism here, but there is a petrochemical refinery.  There are always contractors coming here for short term jobs, and they need a place to stay.  Contractors = welders, fitters, boilermakers, inspectors and other such ruffians.  They drive jacked up 4x4s, have neck tats, and chew tobacco in their sleep.