@Jason Stofer if you don't have a support structure to tap into... the unhappy answer is that there is no short cut. 

DT Long Beach: beachy urban setting with smaller units 1bdr; close to tourist attractions, and thinking I can STR one unit; BUT high crime rate (90 percentile); properties are older but more attractiveIs it better to go into a slightly better neighborhood in boring Riverside or a more crime ridden area of cool kid Long Beach?

Rex (Real Estate agents and sellers to optimize listings, attract buyers and close deals efficiently) 5.

Find a realtor that knows the transitioning areas, there are a lot of "not-so-nice" areas in South Bend that would not work for short term rentals, but there are also plenty of great neighborhoods.

Leveraging equity to purchase a short-term rental (STR) in Tampa Bay can diversify your portfolio and potentially generate strong cash flow, but it also increases your financial risk.

I recently financed three new builds in the Jasper area near Big Canoe and I'll be heading up with my family shortly after Christmas for a "tour".

Quote from @Collin Hays: I don't manage short-term any more, but can't you include this in a written rental agreement that the guest signs at the time of booking?

Live in one unit and rent out the others to cover your mortgage.Seller Financing: Negotiate terms with the property seller where they act as the lender, often requiring a smaller down payment and bypassing traditional underwriting.Partnerships or Joint Ventures: Partner with an investor who provides the capital in exchange for a share of the property’s equity or income.Lease Options: Use a rent-to-own agreement, which allows you to control the property while saving for a formal purchase.BRRRR Method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat): Acquire a distressed property with short-term financing, rehab it to increase value, rent it out, and refinance to recoup your initial investment.Pro TipStay in close communication with your lender as you approach your next purchase.

It all comes down to picking the right areas that work well with your personality and attract the type of clientele you feel comfortable working with. 

Nobody wants a unit to sit vacant, but if you make your decisions based on fears like that they are more likely to be short sighted and make the situation worse.