It's great but a little more expensive for the potential tenant. 

It allows landlords to offer tenants a financial perk that can improve their credit health.

We still see postive cash flowing deals here and lots of appreciation potential.

Quote from @Reeti Peshawaria: Hi, I'm in the process of learning about short-term rental investments and analyzing potential markets, but I’ve hit a major roadblock: understanding local regulations.

(I also had to come to CA for health reasons, so I am not sure if that is an exception) - You can use that reason to excuse the amount of time you lived in it. 

Sounds like a good plan, should have plenty of options available.I would be cognizant of any group you talk with on two areas, the location of the property including any potential concerns of it being 'rural', as well as the minimum purchase price and/or minimum loan amounts.

Giving potential partners an option.

Cities like these offer untapped potential without the intense competition found in larger metros.3.

Post on local Facebook pages for contractor referrals, go to local REIAs, and ask your potential agents and PMs (even if not using a PM at first...you may at some point).There is only so much that service providers can do and many of them are far from "experts"; so, be prepared to be your own expert at being willing to figure stuff out as you move forward.

While it's positive after expenses and has potential for improvement in year two, it’s been a bigger hassle than anticipated and taking attention from other priorities and areas of our life with not enough return.