We also have a unit in Kissimmee that has been extremely challenging to fill. 

Extreme example but making a house sellable in a higher value market is a good tactic to me. 

Vacation rentals extremely lucrative.

Just not as long as the EverSeal System.We have installed the EverSeal system on many Rubber roofs without any issues in conducting repairs to the rubber before or after the installation.The sealant is built to adhere to rubber extremely well and we have techniques that allow us to make repairs to these roofs before and after.

Next I would definitely walk the property extremely thoroughly, look for foundation problems, roof, hvac, appliances, every sqft of the property should be inspected. 

It will be frustrating and even more frustrationing is that... without a written policy, it'll be extremely difficult to explain that you didn't discriminate.Sidenote: We send application standards BEFORE they schedule a first showing.

Yes, I am worried about liability issues in extreme situations and plan to use an LLC.

Always think it is extremely important to note that Cap Rate does not drive value on Single Family Rentals since NOI is not the factor for the vast majority of the market - only really relevant for Multifamily and Commercial (BP audience is generally skewed towards residential not commercial investing)

LTR are much easier for a beginner and the income is extremely stable.

Then they will also be unprofitable and they will sell them, it is a vicious cycle and there’s simply too many STR‘s in the Poconos right now, the demand isn’t there and basically no one is making any profits off STR right now in the Poconos, they’re basically all losing money month over month on STREven right now in peak Summer season, most of my friends places are barely booked: they have low occupancy rates, and when they are booked, it’s only because they had to lower their prices extremely low like $100 per night.