Check the Association & Rental Restrictions•If the property is in a condo association, verify whether there are rental restrictions (e.g., one-year ownership before renting, minimum lease terms, or rental caps in the community).

Most have restrictions.

It is still quite restrictive IMO and would not allow for many STRs but some to be added to the local market. 4.

Here are pockets I focus on for cash flow:West side - West boulevard, Cudell, Clark-Fulton, Jefferson, Bellaire-Puritas, Old BrooklynEast side - Fairfax, Buckeye-Shaker (the north side), Waterloo Arts District, Garfield Heights, Maple Heights, Newburgh Heights, Lee-Miles (the north side), BedfordHere are the areas that I focus on for appreciation:West side - Lakewood, Edgewater, Old Brooklyn, Ohio City, Tremont (above 490)East side - Buckeye-Shaker (the north side), Waterloo Arts District, FairfaxI have a graded neighborhood map of these areas as well if you would like to check it out.   

I'd second what @Noah Laker said about Citrus Heights.

Is there restriction on STR around Pinecrest lake?

However, with the rates and conditions of any triplexes and fourplexes we could find (we did find one, but it's in the Pendleton Heights suburb of KCMO, so we were worried about it being too dangerous of an area), we were wondering if it's worth it to buy a duplex and rent out the other half to help pay the mortgage, or if it's more worthwhile to rent an apartment and try to save up to buy a residential or commercial MFH later?

They are very nice and can be helpful providing you what you can and cannot build on your property (Set back, height restrictions, front look etc).

Lots of restrictions and tight underwriting on these.

Excited to become more active on BP and take my career to new heights!