No random photos. 

If not, negotiate to buy it, get future cash flow secured, & take the next couple months to do the updates in between guests then get updated photos.

I don't like stocks etc.

If you want low, safe returns that are truly passive, invest in the stock market.  

Hi Jack, there's a lot of old stock - I've traveled there and seen it myself, but word is out of Syracuse and it has shown up in various BP "lists" over the past 12 months as well.

Pull out a spreadsheet and go through the tools everyone mentions to run some comparables and take note of photos, amenities. 

Are their listings detailed with good-quality photos?

If you don't get access to the property before closing it can be tricky but if there are recent photos online or you can walk through before and take your own then it is much easier.

Are their listings detailed with good-quality photos?

. ;-)Some things come to mind-do you host yourself, have a property manager or co-host, is your STVR dog friendly, do you have king beds, where is your market, do you have professional photos etc.