Hello Nicholas, there are a few drawbacks: -Complexity and Scrutiny: This approach could attract scrutiny from the IRS, as it's not a typical way to manage rental properties.

Some lenders are okay with Foreign National STRs but the rates and terms may not be as attractive. 

But if you are committed to purchase, a 2/2 would prevail over a 2/1, the price difference has to be nominal and now you might attract a different user like tow couples or adult friends that don't want to share a bathroom vs a young family that the kids are okay to use the same bathroom as the parents. 

What has you attracted to these two markets specifically? 

What I thought was too rural, to many is exactly what attracts them to there.Just yesterday I was speaking with a potential tenant who was saying he needed a place but did not what to be within city limits.

I've seen a lot of conflicting advice that cautions to avoid areas with high crime rates due to complications and extra costs from the tenant base and property crime.I understand that both cities have shown crime rate improvements, but their overall rates are still way above average.What makes these cities attractive for investment despite this?

LA is a sprawl of smaller cities where people live and work, and most of those cities are fine. there’s a reason the south bay attracts residents and companies, and it’ll be a long long time before those fundamentals shift.  

This way, you don't rush into selling a property that still holds potential and you can gauge the viability of short term rentals without fully committing yet.Additionally, talk to a few local property managers or even consider different marketing strategies to attract tenants.

It seems to be attracting buy and holds in hopes there is a turnaround to capitalize on.

Depending on the location STR is going to make the most money because condo rentals are an attractive option due to the amenities.