Especially shifting our largest employers from the casinos and hospitals to Tech companies.

Lots of money to be made here but not in the casinos.

I suspect the casino lobby has been quietly lobbying to shut down short term rentals.

Misc. micro-economic variables impacting that area (casino being built, government agency transitioning into the area, etc.) 

Today converting to STR is so mundane that the STR potential is built into the selling price and therefore typically it cannot be a value add (I do leave room for places such as a casino is opening in 6 months and the sellers have not yet factored the resulting STR potential into the price as an exception).BTW 2021 and its over 20% RE appreciation has helped these numbers, but they were already outstanding. 

He's a very experienced and successful developer that has done over $1.5 billion in real estate deals in the city of Detroit -- including large multi-family, commercial, casino, mixed use, single family, and more.

Traditionally the RE market has lagged in this area but Caesar’s is building a casino in town, and has already opened up a temporary building that opened up last month.

If you aren't aware, Danville VA is EXPLODING at the moment with the new Casear's Casino under development.

With the naval hospital in the area, and a casino coming to the city soon it does feel like an area of good potential opportunity and growth.Also a few off market properties have been dealing with contract owners.

On a side note, Reading PA should be developing a casino in the near future and the legalization of medical marijuana will be in full effect by July 2018 (according to my physician).