All of these would be hints for us in knowing how to help or what to suggest.

(hint: I am a value investor/ buy and hold).

(hint: Don't ask them what you can do for them.

(Hint: we do that)

If you aren't, then hint hint hint you should be.)

Be cautious when determining the ARV, try to communicate with some realtors that recently sold those properties and see if they can hint at the state of those properties.

Isi hinted at this; but the first deal isn’t about getting rich, the purpose of the first deal is to get you to the second.

Usually it will be bonus depreciation or S179 to expense the furniture and other personal property (STRs commonly throw off high taxable income compared to tax loss thus S179 finds its way onto the table -- S179 might be preferable to bonus).Cost seg still might be beneficial depending on the acquisition price.Make sure you have a deep convo with your CPA regarding STRs (hint: they usually have an average rental period of less than 7 days). 

I have an agent in the area and would like separate opinions apart from what I've read, and received from them (some agents window dress & throw lots of daisies when they see opportunity - a property I have an opportunity to purchase, yet I am hesitant).I've read about high crime, low job rates, and sunk property values, and viewed hints of hard to come by appreciation.

Any hints/suggestions are welcome, as for now, I am telling myself "not to try and run before I can walk"; if I just need to take the time to save up the money for a year, then just do it and be patient.thank you