However, a few things you could do: You could talk with them & learn more of their story to figure out why their credit score is low as well as the type of people they are.

And there's been MANY times I get bookings that come through for same day check-in and they "pay" with an invalid card but because Booking simply collects and passes along the card number, if I don't notice the card declined in my system they get a check-in code and I'm chasing people down for money.

I've heard too many stories of investors purchasing homes for STR use, only to find that they lose their permit or the ability to transfer it when they sell.

If you have any insights or stories to share about the markets I’m considering, I’d greatly appreciate it!

I would say if you do jump in without physically going to the area...you should definitely buy in a nicer neighborhood (I hear too many stories with new investors getting burned investing in bad neighborhoods). 

It's interesting, but every state has dozens (if not 100s) of "submarkets" that can tell a different micro story.

What might work well on one street could be a completely different story just a block or two away.

Story time.

It is a 6 bedroom property that sleeps 28 people.our last purchase is in La Fortuna and it is an awesome property that is in the process of being remodeled with another story on top. 

As an example, my neighbor added a second story to her home and the contractor gave her an estimate that she agreed to.