Since they have doubled it is tougher. 

I'm trying to break in to the word of mouth circle, but it's been tougher than I initially thought it would be. 

They've gotten tougher to pencil.  

@Timothy YangGetting into real estate with a small budget can be done in many ways, including house hacking, living-in loans, help for down payments, deals with the seller, teaming up, private loans, and tougher loans.

Bottom line STR restrictions are just going to get tougher over the years so one needs to choose very carefully up front and also if your buying based on cash flow I would think you need to make sure your OK at long term market rent and base your buy on that.. if you get STR added revenue thats a Bonus.. there are areas of the country were STR will probably never get attacked like we are seeing in many markets.

I think it is still good for those that are already capitalized and don't need the income now, those who are creative and can add value and those that can weather the storm of tougher areas.

If the original seller holds the Deed it is tougher to set that property aside in the event of seller bankruptcy.

this is something that's not talked about enough - everyone is chasing 'cash flow,' which is way, way tougher in residential than is thought.happy to dialogue further.

Flights are expensive, getting a big family there is tougher etc.

The tougher part will be finding clients that want to work with a part-timer that has no experience and little time.If I were you, I would focus on dentistry where you can make really good money, then use that money to invest in real estate on the side.