Look for Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA's) that have growing populations, growing jobs, modern/diverse economies where businesses are investing capital.

They will try to mediate, but not strong arm.AirBNB has developed a specific culture that many people enjoy.

A neighborhood can include more than one zip and a zip can be incredibly diverse here in Philly. 

Louis is a large and diverse market.

And I have kept most of my short-term rental units occupied all year long.Only if I was young again, I could imagine house hacking and rent short-term to some exciting foreign guests, so much to learn from different cultures, or renting a room to a doctor or lawyer while they look for the primary home, what great connections you can make.If you are looking for 20% plus leverage returns or want to leave rent-free by "house hacking," Tampa is the place to go.

However, if you're specifically set on one of those markets I'd recommend Kansas City - landlord friendly state, lower property taxes, increasing population and diverse economy, a good supply of potential rentals that product good cash flow with a decent chance of future appreciation.

Some people STR a literal 100 sq ft Native American teepee...doubt you'll find many takers for LTR on that thing.That said, portfolio diversity is important for lots of reasons. 

For me, not feeling safe is a hard pass.Houston is very diverse and large.

Personally, I like to invest in areas with diverse economies.

Each surrounding community is great, but they offer drastically different cultures.