Determining good mid term rental market

[Richard E.]

Esteemed listmates,

I am located in LA, and run some MTR's here.  However, I am looking to expand into other cities now- and a little curious peoples thoughts on a couple of issues:

-What are your factors for evaluating a good midterm rental

      *City/market in general; and

      *location within a city/market?

Being near big universities, level 1 trauma centers, and business/downtown type of centers (like where the big office buildings are), I know are some good criteria. 

However, the places I have that fit those things seem to be dragging of late behind some of the other stuff. Example, I have an old timey craftsman I have which is in a more residential and nicer neighborhood than a couple others, with not as much closeby-- but is very cute (but small) place with lush yard, old timey hardwood, and more charm, etc, it is really killing the game, moreso than the stuff that is in more traditionally "good" MTR locations. 

Curious peoples thoughts on what makes a great MTR location/neighborhood. It is starting to look like evaluating MTR's is similar to LTR's which is, have a nice property in the nicest possible location to maximize rent.

Any thoughts / experiences, and what tools and/or factors people use to evaluate MTR cities, and locations within cities. I use the usual ones  (AirDNA, Mashvisor, and other Long Term rental rent tools) but don't see much that is geared towards MTR's really. 

Example, I look in a place like Fresno at STR data- totally dismal. But MTR's there do well according to what I have read/heard. Any thoughts/experiences appreciated.