Following - I'm also based in The Bay Area 

Many of them won't be convinced by facts, such as how much revenue STR's facilitate in and around Asheville, and will continue to push debunked sentiments about affordable housing, but the threat of lawsuits might make them play nicer.

It's almost impossible to get deductible amount on some instances and owners are paying out of pocket.

Reason why is if you go to sell it, people are not going to comp it based on 40 year loan.

The interest being deductible is based on the use.

Is this a cash-flow play or an apprecation play?

From there, you can research through zillow/redfin whatever but your best bet would be to find an investor/agent (I a one but based in Fort Lauderdale) who can guide you through the process.

Warner Robin's is another great market...there's  an airforce base and it's in close proximity to Macon which makes it ideal.

The only reason I brought up that I coach in a comment was because I disagree with Henry's approach based on significant experience.

Time is money in the service world and you should expect a base charge if a PMC has to send a ServiceTech to fix something that truly only take 10 minutes to do.