I personally like LTR as a strategy since once you attract high quality tenants, it isn't that much work relative to MTR and STR strategies, but the key is you have to look for properties where you can add bedrooms, so you can do rent by room, rent to market tenants, rent to Section 8 tenants, and the more bedrooms that you have the higher rents you will get.How to do you add bedrooms? 

What are the essential pieces of furniture and amenities I should include to make the unit attractive and functional for college students?

But, baring some Disney type of big attraction coming to the area, I think it’s safe to say 2019 visitor counts, plus say maybe an additional 20% due to awareness of the area post COVID, is all we can expect.  

The RTP area, comprising cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Cary, is an attractive option for several reasons:Strong job market and population growth, driven by the tech, research, and education sectors, ensuring consistent rental demand.More affordable home prices compared to Charlotte, allowing for better cash flow from rental income.Areas like Cary, Apex, and parts of Raleigh have newer construction townhomes/condos that fit your criteria.Potential for long-term equity growth, as the region is seeing steady appreciation.Some recommended areas to consider near RTP:Cary (especially newer developments like Amberly)ApexNorth RaleighDurham (for slightly lower prices)Charlotte is also a solid option, though it may be more expensive:Strong financial/banking sector driving job and population growth.Higher home prices but potentially higher rents as well.Newer townhome/condo developments in areas like Ballantyne, University City, and South End.Robust long-term equity growth potential, but higher entry costs.

Consider highlighting any special features to stand out, and maybe even offer a move-in discount to attract tenants quickly.

This makes it an attractive location for investment properties. 

I'm a firm believer that if you want success, you have to go out and get it, and the only real way I see having success with wholesaling nowadays is to get out their and meet property seller's face-to-face.Im originally from Sacramento, so this post title attracted me to read it.  

Your home IS in a location that could make it a good STR/MTR given proximity to attractions and it's in beautiful shape so I don't think the operator is pulling the interest/opportunity out of their a**.Attorneys would probably argue with me, but if their LLC is going to rent it, I would still get the individual on the lease or at least a co-signor guarantor agreement so that you have the EIN and SSN for purposes of evictions and collections. 

Same situation goes for owner financed deals or subject to, you need to bring value to the seller and your agent can convey that value in an attractive way.

There is no doubt that REI in Section 8 is risky, but the entry point is attractive with leveraged yields well in excess of what you can achieve in regular REI.