This journey is as much about the process as it is about the destination.

But to touch on some of your points:-Costs to build are probably some of the highest in the nation, other than maybe Telluride or other vacation destinations. 

My STRs are just for fun and are true vacation destination rentals.

Downtown str's have done well and it's convenient to the front gate of NAS Pensacola but you could also consider near the beaches of Perdido Key since that is convenient to the back gate and it's a more traditional tourist destination. 

It is also the top tourist destination in the US, and it is a year-round market with fairly consistent performance year after year.

It costs about $2000 in Destin, FL for instance to convert a regular residential use to STR use permit if it's the first time the house being coverted for usage.

The beach is always an attractive destination and Oregon is no exception.

The project is anticipated to facilitate access to/from major industries and freight destinations in Mobile and provide hazardous material vehicles a direct route away from the downtown business district.- The overall market has increased by 8.4% this year with the median apartment rent at $950.

It sounds like you're doing a good job of educating yourself which is great, but you can educate yourself as much as you want, however without a direction or destination in mind you'll never have enough information to make a decision. 

I’ve been looking at data on rental properties in Destin and Panama City Beach, and certain amenities seem to drive higher booking rates.