It sounds like you are just using metrics to choose an area which isn't a sound strategy because you are paying PM in all of the areas, but likely don't know how to manage the manager.

I can choose my projects and fields I want to discover.

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Though there is a thought that if you're going to house-hack with Airbnb, you could choose one of the Denver area cities where they allow non-owner occupied short-term rentals.

Their explanation is that the numbers I'm seeing come from sources that only use data that is reported to them by realtors who choose to list rentals there for example and that most management companies like them will not publish their actual rents so their numbers are based on their own comps which are more accurate. 

My advice would be to:Research the market: Before choosing a turnkey provider, get a good understanding of the market you want to invest in.

I 100% disagree with the premise than an investor has to choose one or the other.As an investor, why are we not looking for cashflow AND appreciation? 

ALL went to GOOGLE to find answers and help with the problem they were having, and after they themselves went to Google,  they completely ignore the fact that they themselves went to Google to solve their problem and then they choose DMM to try to some the recipietns problem.Isn't that quite moronic?

Networking with mentors and partners, choosing niches like multi-family properties or Airbnb, and analyzing deals using BiggerPockets calculators can help build a successful portfolio.

Given the choice between cash now of say $500k, or REAL equity of $600k, I choose $600k equity as long as the $600k is greater on a RISK ADJUSTED BASIS.