A good approach is to research local markets to identify areas with strong rental demand and potential for appreciation.

After you identify what avatar wants to find you, go looking as if you were them. 

Each week, I analyze the MLS, exploring cities and towns across South Florida to identify areas favorable (or not) to short-term rentals.

I don't really want to invest in a D-class area.Tangentially, what are some of your "it's time to sell this property" red lines when it comes to the changing economic conditions of an area? 

It’s always good advice for someone doing a 1031 to actually have their replacement property under contract when they sell the original property, but few actually do this.

I navigate through cities and towns, identifying areas that are both friendly and challenging for STRs.

Our job is to rapidly identify, qualify and analyze all listings, tour the propsect as soon as possible and write workable and winnable offers.

I've identified an area that has a lot of multifamilies. 

@Lake Lutes is in your neck of the woods and can assist you with identifying rental properties.

Again, see question #1.Selling as-is means selling it cheap, no hassle, quick sale.