I went to university in Iowa, many years ago.

While I agree that the STR market has matured and margins are compressing, I don’t think this is a universal truth especially for Americans buying in international markets like Germany.

They focused on renovations that appeal universally.. think updated kitchens and bathrooms - and kept meticulous records of their expenses.

But also Columbia has university of South Carolina and a tier 1 and tier 2 hospital so I would have the option of midterm rentals as well.

President of the Universe could take a while, the other thing will take a few years, but is not that hard. 

Well, there are two colleges nearby, Delta State and Mississippi Valley but they are about the poorest 4-year public universities in the state and most of the people that go to them are from the Delta. 

I haven’t used them yet but Universal Settlement Services is an investor friendly title company in the state college/altoona area.

Interest rates are pretty universal across country, you are in a high demand, high cost area.  

Quote from @Kevin Sobilo: @Corey Gelineau, real estate licenses are not universal like that.

Speaking from the Arizona perspective, we are experiencing continued growth, attracting lots of new residents (Californians choose Texas and Arizona as their top 2 places to move).Here's an economic forecast:https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/economy/2019/12/11/arizona-state-university-annual-economic-forecast-predicts-slower-growth/4398074002/Not sure where you are getting your "low rent" thoughts, maybe compared to CA.