But if you can find an investment that pushes out beyond the next 2 or 3 years into a  “different” financial environment you might have a better risk reward return. 

This is not normal in a rising interest rate environment. 

How is this a positive environment for real estate investment?

Smart idea staying flexible in this environment.

Major cities where STRs have only began rising up and gaining public spotlight with the rise of AirBNB are more likely to have more shifting and less stable regulatory environments since those areas are still in the process of trying to find the balance for STRs within their markets. 

It was before my time, but my understanding is that triggering a DOSC was more common in the 80's during a similar rising interest rate environment like we find ourselves in now.  

How do we make it a very unfriendly environment for people who would take advantage of other investors and/or tenants?

I especially believe in this challenging RE environment that some realistic analysis is beneficial.  

We grew them in an environment where nothing required to be earned, everything was given simply for having wanted it.

They both have great places to visit.Neither have the environment diversity of CA, but if you have no interest in the ocean the difference is less.