This is a big issue and legislators are looking at the causes. 

As you have seen we have investment opportunities in over 12 markets throughout the US that we've identified as being an excellent investment market based on cash flow, appreciation, equity, legislation, taxes, rental demand, job & economic growth, etc. 

As well be advised that many states are working on legislation that's going to prohibit rent increases for up to 1-2 years following the epidemic. 

., H5309 and S0183).I know a few people in the RI real estate investor group who are working on some responses, and the Providence Apartment Association definitely has some legislation savvy folks looking at it.There's a petition to oppose it that someone set up, at http://chng.it/QgkhGcXYD2 but if you want to get involved I'd contact the PAA.

Legislative shifts?

This is my local market, and I am not surprised.I am not justifying the behavior, but as other people have stated, this is a symptom of the small landlords being exploited by our legislators by being forced to provide a service for free and then bear the expenses thereof. 

Municipalities are catching up, licensing new technologies that scrape AirBnB/VRBO for listings in parallel to new or pending STR legislation/taxes.

It is also a topic you need to keep up with, as far as local legislation and federal.

Collecting first and last plus deposit makes for a respectful tenant; if we draw too much attention legislators will take that away.

Most importantly, how might someone new strategize to get into a high-priced market if this legislation passes?