I'd suggest checking local Airbnb/VRBO data or using AirDNA to see occupancy rates and average nightly rates in the area.

A good property manager can help with tenant screening, enforce lease terms, and handle evictions more efficiently if it comes to that.Require a Larger Security Deposit: Within the bounds of local regulations, a larger deposit can provide a cushion in case of damage or unpaid rent.Consider Rent Guarantee Insurance: Some companies offer insurance products that can cover lost rent in case of tenant default.

A local couple who’se combined income is 300K and who sponsored the family’s immigration to US is willing to be co-signers for the family of 5.I am thinking that Party2 will put more miles on the house and may be harder to deal with in case of any complaints or eviction, though I am not an experienced landlord so I am not sure what are the factors to evaluate or what all can go wrong?

Having a reliable local team, including a property manager and a realtor familiar with the market, is the best way to avoid high-crime areas.If you’re leaning towards Richmond or have more questions about the market here, feel free to reach out.

I’m Monica Bynum here a local agent in Memphis, Tn.

I call them in-between because they are conferences, so not like your local meetups, but they are not truly "industry" conferences like NMHC, where you will meet primarily career, corporate multi-family people.Bigger Pockets Conference and Best Ever Conference are two that likely would cater to people more in your position.  

Ensure the sublease is explicitly permitted in a written agreement with your friend and aligns with local STR laws.

If you are searching for offmarket, you can network with local wholesalers, and also use something like dealmachine to generate leads.

I am very involved in our local real estate investor association and agree that in this central Florida market there are an over saturation of STRs as well.

I completed an internship in commercial real estate, and I also attended a couple of local REIA meetings/networking events before moving to Northern VA.I was able to narrow down potential strategies, and I figured both BRRR as well as wholesaling don't seem to be the best strategies for me.