Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the key, and that will take a tremendous investment that likely will cost more than the reservations that you get.For an individual, self-managed property, you are pretty much wasting your time; the major channels are paying Google tens of $ millions per year to dominate the rankings. 

I have notice quite a tremendous amount of properties listed for rent on zillow and they have been sitting nearly a year .   

If more retailers vacate their space than those properties are at risk of losing tremendous value as it will be difficult to re-lease to a tenant that is not impacted by California's high costs to do business. 

For me personally, I find a tremendous amount of value in going through programs that help me learn at a much faster rate then what I could on my own as well as help me mitigate risk/self doubt.

Some were probably not worth it, and some have paid off tremendously.

You are in tremendous hands!

Also some great markets in NC, and NC is growing tremendously. 

The only time I have been able to find below market deals on MLS was when the local real estate market had cratered and there was tremendous supply and little demand.  

It it a tremendous help!

Columbus in particular is seeing tremendous growth as a result of big-tech companies like Intel and Google expanding their presence here, which is contributing to market appreciation.