The labor and materials cost varies widely in different markets.

Granted, I self manage so I am meeting tenants, but at the end of the day, getting this gut check on the person I am going to trust living in my property kept me from having any issues with my tenants that would require a "more landlord friendly state".Given the wide swath of the country that is "landlord friendly", I would think more about places you know well and/or have ties to already.  

A return of 8-12% is generally considered good, but it will depend on your personal goals.Risk with Repairs: Major repair costs are always a risk, especially with a wide range like $145K - $200K.

I got a property manager, an STR assistant, and a portfolio wide assistant. 

Due to my background in consumer lending, I am highly skeptical of paystubs and other address verification due to the widely available websites that are out there to generate forms relatively easily... so I like to verify the information by contacting the listed employer using their listed number on Google to avoid possibly calling a friend etc. 

A 20' wide vacant 4-unit two story apartment building.

However, there are some challenges to keep in mind:Regulatory Variations: Regulations can vary widely between locations and are constantly evolving.Active Management: STRs require more hands-on management for guest turnover and communication.Additional Costs: Don’t forget about expenses for furnishings, cleaning, and possibly hiring a property manager.If you’re looking for STR-friendly areas, consider these locations, as others can be too expensive to consider, such as Snowmass Village or Aspen:Breckenridge: The most visited ski resort in North America, attracting around 3 million tourists each year.Steamboat Springs: A popular year-round destination for winter sports and summer activities.Keystone: Great for those wanting a less crowded resort experience.Divide & Florissant: Charming mountain towns close to Colorado Springs.Fairplay: Just 30 minutes south of Breckenridge, with an impressive 82% Airbnb occupancy rate.Cripple Creek: A former mining town now known for casinos and outdoor activities.Park County: Very Airbnb-friendly, though regulations may change.Here are some strategies to help you succeed in the STR market:Hybrid Model: Consider using some units for STRs and others for long-term rentals to balance income.Research Local Regulations: Always check the current rules in your target areas before investing.Year-Round Appeal: Focus on locations that attract visitors in all seasons.Quality Furnishings: Invest in quality to justify higher nightly rates and attract better guests.Dynamic Pricing: Use pricing strategies to maximize revenue during peak seasons while maintaining occupancy in the off-season.Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt your strategy as the market and regulations change.While Colorado’s STR market offers exciting opportunities, it’s essential to approach it strategically.

Of course it quickly snowballed so the result so far is a comprehensive, detailed model that captures quite a wide gamut of financial variables.

How to find info I need (remaining mortgage balance, mortgage payments) to go in with eyes-wide-open and present an excellent solution to the Seller's problem.b.

Try casting a wide net by advertising on Zillow, zumper, apartments.com, or other websites.