We are talking FAT FIRE here retire not in that double wide but super comfortably.

I could sit and tell you all zip codes I am comfortable buying in but Akron like many cities almost changes from block to block.

My diet went from dining out to consistent beans and lentils.

What strategies are you comfortable using?

I enjoy having a day job (weird, I know) and am just looking to set my future family up for a comfortable life financially!

Regardless we lived in LA about 9years ago and don't feel comfortable going to another state.

For those STR operators and investors that are not comfortable self managing (communication with tenants, scheduling cleaners and organizing supplies) one option is to hire a designated full/part time employee. 

Like @Michael Bowman previously stated, I am completely comfortable paying a set fee to cover administrative costs as long as that fee is reasonable, established upfront and the PM is seeking to negotiate the best rate on my behalf. 

I definitely could've tried to maximize my monthly income by renting the property by room, but with HOA restrictions and my inability to comfortably find a property manager that manages rentals by the room were my biggest reasons to rent out the entire property under one lease. 

Ikenna,Depending on where you are located and your comfort level you can find a lot of great deals in multiple states.