As a good son, I would spot check the property managers' projections by doing my own research on VRBO/Airbnb/AirDNA to see what I think similar rentals are doing. 

Use census and trend data to evaluate overall markets - population growth, age, job growth, industry diversification etc.

(I get it, I look younger than the Grandpa I am, thank you but yes, nearing 40yrs in the industry).   

I’m especially interested in spots with strong short-term rental (STR) demand, where the laws are favorable to investors.I have around $250,000 USD to put down as a deposit, and I plan to finance the rest through a mortgage.

If you haven't already, look into insurance relocations. 3/2s and above are the sweet spot if the property itself is really nice and in a good neighborhood.

On a smaller building this might be a bit tight, but as the buildings scale up I find that this metric is a good spot to be.

I went through the process, and everything seemed to be in good shape: the inspection came back clear, the appraisal was spot-on, and I was excited to get my first tenant in May.That’s when the problems started.

-WoodbineOne of my favorite spots.

I worked in the auto industry for too long😂).

However, rates have since moved upward.A 30-year fixed rate mortgage is once again sitting around 7% interest:The real estate industry hoped 2024 would see a recovery in which mortgage rates fell and home sales climbed.