P.S; We live in Wilmington NC so both markets would be "long distance" P.S.P.S there are no reasonably priced multi family properties local to us.

Quote from @Andrew Lawlor: I've been actively investing in short-term rental properties for the past three years, managing one live property and another that will go live in two months.

Buy and Hold investing is a great avenue to begin with as most people live their lives off of residual income. 

Super cool apartment style living, but all one story. 

I live in the Lancaster PA area.I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor.

I can speak from experience as a student at Texas A&M, I lived in a 5 br/5 b house and I knew plenty of other students who lived in similar houses or "Ag Shacks" if you will.

It's not a bad strategy, especially if you live in a lower-priced area with a good rent-to-purchase price ratio.

If San Diego wasn’t in CA that’s where I’d live.

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.

While you are willing to work with them, they are apparently happy to live rent free and don't seem to care about you.I had a long term tenant (5 years) who stopped paying the rent.