You have a strong economy fueled with government jobs, military personnel, tourism, retirees and recently large amounts of commercial infrastructure is coming to the area.

The average STR owner spends much more on home/property  improvements because they have to in order to retain a 5 star rating.c) Having these STRs in pristine condition raises the property values of the neighborhood, thereby raising the property tax eventually.d) Studies have shown that a strong STR presence in a city will actually raise tourism in that area.

You have a great point that I hadn’t considered, but I am in agreement with you.Further compounding the issue, at least in tourism areas, is the phenomenon where wealthy folks buy old homes that were being rented by the room, and replacing them with summer mansions (or winter mansions) and the supply of rentals continues to dwindle.If we’re already at a deficit of rentals, and aren’t building enough, then you’re right-we can’t become a “renters nation”.

It's inconceivable to me that since in each case the whole town's economy is tourism and STR's make that possible, that the locals would allow any changes that would kill the town. 

Find an asset, underwrite it to a high scrutiny and talk to local professionals to see how the climate has been for tourism and STR's.

However, considering Canna-Tourism is a $17Billion industry, I find it hard to believe you couldn't be successful if you put some intent behind it.  

Currently, inventory is around 2.1 months and falling.What about single-family home distressed properties:Bank owned: 16, which is about 0.0029% of all single-family homesShort sale: 7, which is about 0.0013%Foreclosure stated: 7, which is about 0.0013%So, ignore the “experts” with click-bait titles and look at the actual data for the city you are considering.All the above said, short-term rentals are dependent upon tourism.

I have no connection with the Branson BBB or Tourism.

That the jobs are not tourism dependent and "essential" and the rent to purchase ratio is closer to the 1% rule than you will find in Tampa or Orlando.

Think travel/tourism companies that have been hit hard (cruises, airlines, hotels, Disney, etc.).