What works best really depends on your goals and risk tolerance, but here’s a quick rundown of what I’ve seen happening in the area:STRs: These are still solid in vacation-heavy areas like Naples, Fort Myers, and the barrier islands.

The down payment and I'll cover the rest with renting cash flow.  

Where another issue arrises is I recently quit my job after becoming pregnant as they would not cover my maternity while overseas, my husband is employed however he works for a UK company and is British so would be unlikely to help us with the situation in the US.

If the insulation is in decent shape and not covered by combustible insulation, and not terribly overloaded, it might last many more years.

That can be a draw back if the market is on a mad run up tho.Also, I would always have enough in a heloc to cover your 401k loan in the event of job loss or if you quit your job. 

Covering my bases!

You magically get the seller to cover every single closing cost (A $12k gift, or a trick to get you to buy their problem.).

So I would caution everyone to make sure the replacement cost for your improvements will realistically cover your actual replacement cost in the event of a total loss.

I did the math and could cover the mortgage solo if needed.

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.