Tools like BiggerPockets Calculators and rent estimation tools are incredibly helpful.

If you decide to revisit STRs, you might want to explore properties where you can project expenses independently, such as using local STR forums or online tools to estimate maintenance, management, and occupancy costs.For networking and strategy-building, you might find local meetups or groups beneficial.

There are many good locations - I'd suggest that you play around with the "Market Finder" tool at the top of the screen here, included with your pro membership. 

I feel like in today’s day in age there are so many tools for STR operations and I cannot believe there is no integration for a merchant of sale transaction or some kind of financial app/ software that can take the remitted taxes and pay them to the government automatically.

They might be lower than anticipated and are a great tool for what you are looking to do.

Both strategies are great and have their pros and consOne of the biggest wealth building tools in real estate is the ability to purchase a property as a primary residence and put less then 20% down.

Are there tools or rules to estimate the expenses. 

Are there specific metrics or tools you rely on?

And if someone clicks to schedule a showing it has a form to capture there information that goes into a crm that then starts a "prospect tenant" followup campaign including response text instantly to interrupt there search knowing we got there request and check there e-mail where we send followup information, links, directions etc etc. 

You also have to be super detail-oriented, focused on continuous improvement regarding the property and guest experience, very in-touch with what it's like to be a guest at the property (and a cleaner of it as well), and focused on technological tools and opportunities.