While I do believe 2024 will be a red wave, and have stated so before, I'm only putting positions post Labor Day or as early as after the DNC. 

Additionally, when I asked some probing questions the guy I was speaking with got defensive (red flag). 

Most will tell you STRs are a lot of work and I won't disagree with that if you don't know what you are doing.I will say though, we have been able to put together some rock-solid systems and processes to streamline that to minimize the work and maximize the returns.My business partner and I are actually writing a chapter in a new book that is coming out this year about unique stays.

.- Neighborhoods to Avoid: Are there any areas that I should steer clear of due to high crime rates, low property values, or other red flags?

My cousin works for a mortgage company called Red Stick Financial in Baton Rouge. 

The red tape is extensive.

He's a bartender at Red's (they have a great avocado dip).

Is that another red flag?

yeah i believe the instulation is R22 Rock solid, R5 sxp foam on the concrete, and the dry wall is something like 5/8th thick.

The amount of red tape they will have to go through to get that approval - not happening.