That have me the desire to go full throttle.I heard I am mentioned in a popular book on short term rentals. 

Scottsdale is a popular place for STR's, East Valley (Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler) is always growing.

The Lake Tahoe area is popular for STR and is highly competitive yet some people do make it work. 

Rehab loans are never going to be a sure bet because there is typically the need for an independent 3rd valuation, AKA an appraisal.

I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.

Reason is what happens if the home needs repairs, do you have $ to cover it or if prices dropThey also will typically want a personal guaranteeYour best bet would be to find someone you know as the conventional private lenders will view this as too risky

They are not strict with tenants, they buy properties in tenant-friendly states/counties, and son on.I would bet you that if one of your RE 'friends' would come on here and show us their business practices, we would see a poorly run business.Anyway, never listen to the naysayers, it sounds like you are set up well and you're on this forum, which gives you a huge advantage.

I'm going to have to ask her what she thinks about this ruling, but I bet she'll feel the same way that you do

Is this lot in an older neighborhood that is getting popular again? 

There are places that are constantly popular with tourists.