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.

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

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.

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.

The income necessary has a wide range depending on loan terms and house hacking where rent can be applied to income requirements.   

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