But as several of you noted, this is going to be a growing swell and not a tidal wave.

Ex) Don't give rent due date extensions for a tenant who waves to you everyday vs never giving one to a tenant to repeatedly flips you off. 

We had one that drove us crazy as someone had run it in series with an above stove micro-wave on a 14/2 buried in a hidden junction box.

As far as AirBNB and VBRO, I think we’re still riding the wave...until they get outlawed.

The appreciation wave was very nice during that period of time...

This arrangement hasn't blown up in your face yet so ride the wave until it does if it works for you for the reasons you outlined. 

See, all there is to it is get a contract, get seller leads, wave said leads around and buyers will flock to you.There is ONLY one skill you need when it comes to wholesaling.

I use Wave for bookkeeping and payment processing and LOVE IT.

Of course, this is a double edged sword in that the markets where there is a affordable rental supply shortage is where strict regulations will inevitably roll out first (LA for example has just shut it down).So, don't be afraid of regulation change (As many people are and won't touch STR for that reason), but be aware what's going on with them, buy smart and ride the STR wave while it's here, there's tons of money to be made!

The long term slowly drags the annual return down but then an appreciation wave hits bringing it back up.You are correct that it is more passive except in case of default.