I lived in Houston for a dozen years (moved last summer) and really wanted to make an STR work, but I just couldn't get there.

I live and invest in Milwaukee since 2007, so probably a little bias here, but we are set up very well for future growth. 

Are you looking to live in one unit and rent the others? 

I live in the greater Washington DC area.

I'd buy where you live (within an hour or so) for your 1st investment!

Los Angeles County continues to grapple with devastating wildfires that have claimed five lives, destroyed over 2,000 structures and forced the evacuation of at least 130,000 residents.

I would pull a FHA loan for $665,000 and live in one side and rent the other side out to a family member for $2,000 a month.

Unless you want to live in that district, I would avoid any and all purchases in an area like that.

My suggestions:* Requiring code compliance and safety equipment is absolutely valid and should be part of the regulations* Requiring owners live within 15 miles is not necessary since poor hosts whether they're local or distant will violate the 3-5 warning system and earn a suspension.

I wanted to invest where I wanted to live and I am also from Elgin so am constantly headed further nw.