And I can see why the different offerings (some stock light, others heavily) make sense.

As a starting point, I have been heavily considering the Sub30k category of REI.

I'm focusing on building relationships with high volume agents, wholesalers, buyers, and sellers in this market to create dealflow for myself and my clients.From a strategy perspective - we work heavily on co-living properties as it is one of the best ways to make things pencil.

IF it is a real problem, then yes, fix it.I would build a fir-in wall out of 2x2s and insulate it heavily (Rockwool comes to mind https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/) There is also drywall that is made for this.

It's heavily dependent on the types of properties and the effectiveness your processes and systems.If you don't have systems and processes in place, you may struggle to manage 30 on your own.

Others noted that the appreciation play could make it worth keeping, I tend to look more heavily on appreciation since real estate investing is more of a long term game.

A good mix of LTR'S is a very good idea so that all your eggs aren't in the STR basket.I like tourist destinations where STR'S are heavily ingrained and almost impossible to ban or regulate out of existence.

My wife and I heavily considered investing out of state. 

I think new investors heavily overlook the skill component needed to successfully pull off a renovation to then rent out properly.

Our DSCR product is very STR friendly and heavily lean on AirDNA data vs appraisal.