Here are some trends that could play out, or further develop in 2025.Leasing & Tenant Experience AI-Powered Leasing: Chatbots and AI tools will streamline leasing processes, from answering tenant inquiries to scheduling tours.Virtual Tours & Digital Leasing: These will become even more standard, making it easier for tenants to rent remotely.TechnologySmart Property Management: IoT devices (smart locks, thermostats, etc.) will become more common, improving efficiency and tenant satisfaction.Property Management Software: Platforms will integrate more AI for predictive maintenance, rent collection, and financial reporting.SustainabilityGreen building practices and energy-efficient upgrades will be a major focus, driven by tenant demand and potential incentives.AI & AutomationAI will play a bigger role in tenant screening, rent pricing optimization, and even predicting market trends.Automation will handle repetitive tasks like maintenance requests and lease renewals, freeing up PMs for higher-level activities.I'm sure there are plenty more shifting trends that I haven't mentioned and that are sure to evolve over the next year. 

Also tweaking your pricing on VRBO and Airbnb so you are active and it pushes you higher in the search results.Tweaking the price that gets pushed to these platforms works as well.

I think you'll more than make up the price in higher selling price.

One of the things I'm trying to figure out is if I'm better off getting a few lower cost properties or on higher priced property. 

You can also refi if you want cash for another property, and hit the note a little harder as the interest will be higher.

I've done that for listings in higher price points.

Investment also spiked in Class A Short-Term Rentals (STR) and investors started paying higher and higher prices based upon anticipated STR rental rates, that exceeded sustainability based upon Long-Term Rental rates (LTR).

I've narrowed down the best return for my money in this market to a 2 bed/2 bath (with top tier amenities) - about 500 total 2/2 listings.I'm finding myself a bit stuck when analyzing why certain properties are making so much higher than the average listings when they seem to have very similar locations, amenities, style, flow of home, beds/# of people they sleep, reviews, number of reviews, etc.

The algorithm has a setting that when you change anything on your listing, you move up higher in the ranking. 

Quote from @Samuel Pavlovcik: @Nicolas Tow Your Architect is correct that it sounds like the only option for you would be to obtain a Zoning Map Amendment to change to RT3.5 or higher.