As more areas along the Peninsula start to embrace transit oriented development, there should be some opportunities for investment. 

So, I embrace it.

Most people under 60 now are comfortable with technology and will be willing to embrace self driving cars in 20 years when the technology becomes common and their need for it develops.

With only 10K the fasted way is like to drastically modify your life style to embrace the frugal and save every penny going forward until you have enough for a DP, closing costs and a reserve fund. $10K after closing costs and holding back a reserve fund will leave you about $5K for a DP.

It looks like the majority of people here have offered the opinion of “stay away from NOLA” so you should be asking what other areas are short term friendly to avoid this happening again.There ARE areas that embrace STRs.

If not, then embrace it. 

Embrace the process, and don't rush to get your first property "done with". 

Even if I could attract them, national chains in the core identity area wouldn’t be embraced by the community.

In most markets that can legally have STRs and that the local government embraces, you can get up to 50% more in rental income vs traditional rentals. 

I think it's something beautiful to embrace. :)Good luck to both of you on your REI journey.