I even have a friend who received an unfounded complaint from a neighbor (the neighbor was just against STRs, no events/parties that occurred), and now their property is temporarily banned/under review, regardless of them abiding by all rules.

If you want DM me and I'll connect you.Then find an investor friendly agent with experience closing VA loans who will help you find the right small-multifamily property.

For example, friends and family have invested in my properties, which has been great for their needs - ask around your friends and acquaintances you already trust to see what opportunities are there.

I have a friend that is pleased with his PM in the area.

Join off-market Facebook groups and local RE investor FB groups to get more local information about potential off-market properties, and find investor-friendly RE agents who are willing to work with you.I would recommend for a first deal at least to get something closer to home, easier to get back and forth to for your own sanity, ability to check on either construction or tenants, address repair and maintenance issues.

There are a lot of HOAs there, but they tend to be STR-friendly.

I’m focused on tourist-friendly areas (Bay Area, North Tahoe and primarily Sacramento) I have a few apartments interested in learning more about my plan.

Especially in a tenant-friendly state.I recommend looking for an attorney with a LOT of eviction experience.

A friend of mine is looking for PMs in Cleveland. 

This is what causes people to not call ever and to have friends fix stuff the wrong way.If they want something checked out and then it turns out to be fine, maybe then a service call would be warranted, but not every time especially when they are service issues that are on you.$250 a call for someone is insane.