I own a LTR in central Houston that I think would be pretty successful as an STR based on the AirDNA data.

A close friend of mine in Houston once had a client who owned two properties across different states.With your North Port place being so fresh (2021 build) and on a canal, you’ve got strong appeal for folks looking to enjoy that waterfront Florida vibe.

Hi Fredrick,It’s great that you have two strong applicants for your property!

Connecting with investors is a great move too; it’s one of the best ways to gain real-world knowledge and build a strong foundation for your journey.What kind of investing are you most interested in? 

Low barrier to entry, low taxes, landlord friendly, some amazing class A and B suburbs and a strong urban core. 

Whether you’re targeting strong cash flow or long-term appreciation, understanding the dynamics of each neighborhood is key.

Here are a few to watch out for:Property Condition: Most distressed properties need extensive repairs or renovations, which add to your initial investment.Competitive Market: With Phoenix's popularity among investors, competition for the best deals can be intense.Complex Deals: Foreclosures, auctions, or short sales are much more complicated compared to regular real estate transactions and usually require specialized knowledge.Tips to Successfully Navigate the MarketDo Your Research: Understand the local market conditions, including neighborhood trends, property values, and potential rental income.Build a Strong Network: Work with professionals who specialize in distressed properties-such as brokers, contractors, and legal experts-to make the best decisions.Assess Costs Carefully: Factor in the cost of repairs, holding costs, and any potential financing issues when evaluating a property’s profitability.Be Patient: Finding the right distressed property takes time.

Also , I would love to connect with any agents who specialize in STR market in Boston Mass area. airdna is pretty accurate . lenders use it to assess rental comps for short terms rentals when financing a short term rental  I use it for DSCR loans as well; it is accurate yet conservative because it gives you the median 50 percentile for the area based on comps.

As others said out of state can be more challenging based on location but local or out of state both can be done. 

With a budget of $300K-$400K, you could potentially find single-family homes or small multi-units in those areas.I'd recommend researching rental demand near universities like Duke or NC State or even checking out neighborhoods with strong job growth near tech hubs.