I’ve been scanning the market and come to understand as my first investment I’ll probably have to find an apartment/condo something like that and I typically hear of STRs typically making more cash flow etc.

One of those I bought on my own, but even with the other 8 I was still close to negative cash flow and they were all properties I bought for cash flow. 

Which counties/areas per your analysis is best for cash flow, appreciation or both?

So add the advertised high rate of return when things are good when money can flow out to investors, plus celebrities at their investment forums and it seems very attractive.

Owning makes money from cash flow, appreciation, depreciation on taxes and write offs for your taxes. 

Purchased for $139,999 using a mix of cash and hard money, we revamped it with modern updates, including a new kitchen, flooring, and fresh paint.The property rented for three years, generating steady cash flow of $450/month.

Looking for a long term play with rent stability more than making huge cash flow.

Solid cash flow from day 1.

He never picks the student that just wants to earn $x / month in passive cash-flow.  

On the business management side, I've invested roughly $10k into the systems for financial and operations through courses and consultants.A great Facebook group I'd recommend Remodelers Community -- I know it says remodelers but this group has a resource called the "remodelers vault" where members have pitched in their resources like contracts, cash flow trackers, QC checklists and more that are invaluable starting out as a residential GCBest of luck, you got this