This is our first city selection requirement:✅ Significant and sustained population growth.JobsThe number one reason people move to a city is jobs.

You'll need to consider local Hotel Occ Tax to determine what you'll pay each month, and if the city/HOA is becoming more favorable or hostile towards STRs.

There are always properties around the city priced for a solid Live-in-Flip deal.

I know condos might not be the best investment, but I'd rather own something in the city than keep paying rising rent. 

An auto dealer who owns an empty lot across the street from his establishment wanted to get approval for a parking lot to park his cars in the lot rather than on the sidewalks when the city cracked down on it.

Backup plan for STRs should be that you can go LTR if city or county ordinances change, or if the property is under performing.

I’m looking for residential multi-family’s in the the Tampa Bay Area, so that includes mostly all surrounding cities.  

My point is this- just because there's an issue (as there always will be) does not mean someone is not fit to landlord.Haven't read through all of the comments yet, but in the market where I invest, Wilmington, Delaware, there is actually a city ordinance that if you do not live in New Castle County, you're required to have a registered and licensed property manager with the city. 

Pete, consider properties outside the city for better pricing and cash flow.

I currently live in and operate 1 STR in the area and as a real estate agent I've helped people buy lots of STR properties from Perdido Key to Panama City Beach.1) The STR market here is congested and there is a lot of competition.