As a rental, tenants will likely prioritize the location over minor inconveniences.Your strategy of betting on appreciation and eventually pulling equity makes a lot of sense in this market.

Additionally, are there any other methods, approaches or strategies you’d suggest for someone just starting out in this space?

One STR can make much more than many LTR style investment strategies. 

What creative strategies have you found successful?

The strategy is to buy and hold with positive cashflow.  

Other than doing your own due diligence and managing the management, someone else does all the work.Direct through a turnkey provider or broker versus who?

I’d be happy to connect, chat through strategies, or see how we can work together.

It sounds like you should discuss specifics with a knowledge RE tax professional and discuss tax strategies.

Great tools that get updated regularly.I am on the lending side of things and would be happy to hop on a call with you anytime to discuss financial strategies and help answer any questions you may have about nearly any loan product available to help you on your journey, even if they are not products my capital partners offer.We are all here to help you learn and grow.

Quote from @Scott Tennell: What creative financing strategies have you found to be the most effective in today's real estate market, especially in terms of working with sellers or investors in challenging conditions?