I have shifted my research to looking for a houses I can fix up and eventually rent out.

Don't look now but another seismic shift is coming to a real estate market near you.As you might have heard, there have been several recent class action law suits and even Department of Justice guidance that could change the US Real Estate market as we know it. 

I know Amazons building 3 data centers out west i'm just wondering if it'll start to shift that way in a few years or so

It is not that hard... you just need a shift in mindset.

These people just don't care.Best success I've had is shifting the location of the dumpster to be out of sight as possible.

This will work no matter what, but you can get there faster if you can generate equity through remodel, take advantage of market shifts or buy at a discount (next to impossible at the moment due to tight inventory, but that may come back).The other component most new investors underestimate is you have to become an excellent operator.

The 2 areas where I invisted are places that we vacation in personally, but I also know the history of rentals for 10+ years. markets always shift so spending time and studying markets is great advice as Collin mentions.

I just think the readership needs to be aware of the very significant shift in the platforms culture and mission.

Than, once got that completed, then with new revenue stream can shift-gears to than focus on trying hand at STR, with ability to give it appropriate attention and focus it WILL demand.     

I am indeed shifting my focus to SFH in either Pittsburg or Brentwood, preferably with no HOA.