You have to dig a little deeper there are questions that need to be addressed and VOE's filled out with specifics in order to use certain incomes and "stipends".Similar to a traveling nurse who get housing, meals, and other income. 

Honestly, Tampa checks all the boxes for cash flow, appreciation, and long-term growth, so let me know if you need more specifics or help with a plan!

If they’re late a third time, you have a strong case for eviction for habitual non-payment—without risking the tenant showing up at the 11th hour with the money.For your specific circumstances, with only a partial month behind, I would guess there is a decent chance they can come even on rent and it would be a waste of your time.

Are there specific factors you look for in an area to make sure it’s a good fit for this type of rental setup?

By then I expect to have a clear plan so I can move into action.

Hi Kyle, I would recommend chatting with a property manager in the specific city of Ohio you're looking to buy in.

I took a break, refined the plan, and tried again. 

It depends on what your plans for the property are. 

You're off to a great start by educating yourself and planning to attend meetups—that’s where the magic happens!

You’ll want to get really familiar with local zoning laws, short-term rental rules, and landlord-tenant laws as they vary by town if you plan on going the STR route.Focus on Cash Flow Early On: You might be tempted to go for something that appreciates quickly, but in the early stages, it’s important to find properties that bring in cash flow.