We have similar numbers here in Denver for the sale prices of 4-plexes but our rents would be in the $6k per month if you picked the correct property, offered the right amenities, and marketed it correctly.

This blows my mind.I'm curious what sorts of things require you to be at your property "in a pinch" that would require you to be closer than 45 minutes.I live 2,000+ miles from my 12-doors and I have never had an issue that couldn't be solved by picking up a phone.Heck, I don't think a local PM would even make it to your property in under 45 minutes if you "needed" them to.

We have zero way of knowing what your costs are going to be, until you pick a specific property.

Have a great holiday and I'll pick back up with you on this in Jan!

I'm trying to save any dollar I can at the moment until things pick up.

You could find a partner to help establish an LLC that rents out your property long term, then subleases on a short term basis (master lease is one that is designed for subleasing, it is a way many people pick up STRs without actually purchasing any property, they just find owners who are okay with them subleasing on a STR basis). 

Do agents usually pick one or learn all?

When picking a market, I would recommend first looking at whether or not the state is landlord friendly and then the macroeconomics (population & job growth / any additional drivers that are helping the local economies) of the various cities you're potentially targeting.

We believe the future of real estate investing is customizable funds which is more like a buffet which allows you to invest in slices of syndication deals that you pick.

I am all for it though in tourist recreation areas for sure ..