A good site for income data is justicemap.orgCity Data is another go to for various metricsTrulia has some pretty good crime data.Some other sites are US Department of Labor, US Bureau of Labor Statistics and Department of Numbers. 

STRs are commercial enterprises, similar to a hotel.  

-job growth, population growth, rent growth, diverse industries and employment, MSA of adequate size (not too small), a friendly legal environment, and stable or falling vacancy rates.Government sources like the Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics, local Chambers of Commerce, and other similar government bodies usually put out pretty good data, although it can be difficult to sort through.

Better Business Bureau reviews, etc.).2.

I recently signed up for a service called Landlord Credit Bureau because I have a renter who refused to pay rent. 

Better Business Bureau reviews, etc.).5.

Better Business Bureau reviews, etc.).2.

@Michael Plaks Without getting into granular details, and I won't cover things like limited liability, pass-through, etc. that almost every state and the IRS provide in some form for LLCs, GA has Georgia Enterprise Zones that provide incentives like property tax exemption if your business is within certain areas.

Look on better business bureau, google their name and read reviews there and on yelp (plus thumbtack, Angieslist if applicable), ask for past client referrals and photos of their work if you can't get that information easily online.I invest out of state and work with every type of contractor under the sun. 

This may be tougher during COVID, but an enterprising sponsor should be able to find these meetings pretty easily.