STR can be exciting from many angles - Cash Flow, Appreciation, and best of all.. having a place to visit while renters pay down your mortgage (even near the beach!).

Pete Beach area.

As a resident (who travels a lot) I would say the Midwest does not have the attractions like palm trees & beaches (the great lakes are cold) or amazing mountain ranges, which often come with some disadvantages like high cost of living or hut/humid weather, stroms etc. 

I know the seacoast of NH has been mentioned here but I wanted to point out a few options that could be considered.Hampton, a popular coastal town, has strong demand for multifamily units near the beach and a robust short-term rental market, especially in summer.

., Where I live in FL is one of the wealthiest areas in America, Palm Beach County.

A few years ago one of the investors who had multiple properties in Manhatan Beach CA, then Phoenix AZ, who has been doing it for 30-40 years told me: " A property does not really cash flow till its paid off"Honestly, I am looking at my properties, and half of my properties cash flow anywhere from 800-1k, but the remaining dont cash flow at all..Honestly, I cant say that even those that do cash flow 800-1k per month do not really make a big impact because a tenant moves out, I have to clean/fix, etc.

Purchase price: $118,000 Cash invested: $118,000 Tried to buy a place during the pandemic in NY but was getting outbid like crazy over 100k, so I was lucky enough to buy a condo in tulum mexico and do a short term rental. 1 bed, 1 bath, with community pol, 15 minutes away from the beach and 15 minutes away from the city.

Quote from @Mackaylee Beach: Navigating the eviction process can certainly be challenging.

I am looking to purchase a fix and flip in Daytona Beach, Fl.

Based on your post it kind of sounds like you want a beach/lake house but like the idea of it making money too.