Mid-term is more likely to work in any market than STR, but I think you would be surprised at how well an STR could do if there are no other options like that in the area (think people's parents or friends coming in for the week(end)).I've seen a lot of people grimacing at the net-negative house hack (it's just a product of rates and low inventory in a lot of markets) and this is one option to try to recoup some of that loss.

If you haven't already connected with an investor-friendly lender yet I'd highly suggest that.

I have a rule , never do business with family or friends .

AI tip 2: a friend of mine wrote an app (beta) for landlords to market themselves on a regular basis by soliciting reviews from tenants.

If someone doesn't want to do the work and put in the time to invest in RE, stocks and index funds is probably the better way to go - I've stopped trying to convince my friends (the mortgage free people) the benefits of RE. 

So, it's either get your real estate license or have a really good friend who will list them for you who wants to look them up (but most agents don't know what they are doing and do it wrong).

Even if your handyman is an ex-electrician, he needs that license to make it legit.

I'm friends with one of your colleagues at CSSI Brenda Reding. 

The app is user-friendly and integrates with popular CRMs, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced investors.

Being OOS, finding a good investor friendly agent, who you can trust, is the most important.