Even with the current health crisis, many groups are still meeting virtually. 

During the 2008-2009 financial crisis, 78 REITs cut or suspended their dividends and the normally low volatility REIT sector saw a peak decline of about 70%, worse than the S&P 500’s decline of 57%.

That will save your bacon if something like the Covid crisis happens and shuts down STRs for a period of time (or even if you just have a one-person crisis that means you can't rent your STR for awhile).

I'm trying to gather some data here to determine what I can do to help solve the management crisis in the QCA.

Therefore the same crisis is not carried over to Las Vegas residents.Vegas rents - big houses with alot of sq footage do not warrant good rents (way too low per sq ft).

Something I don't see talked about as much is China's currency crisis.

Leading up to the financial crisis of 2008, lending standards had been loosened, with the goal of increasing home ownership.

I would recommend that your friend look into using the property as a furnished MTR (30+ days) for the time being, and continue working diplomatically and politely with the city to be first on the waiting list if/when they begin issuing STR permits again.

Cambridge and Boston are experiencing an extreme housing crisis right now.

Investing for appreciation seems like a great idea after you see home prices skyrocket in a city like Austin, but you have to keep in mind that if you are breaking even on rent vs expeses and an economic crisis happens you might be forced to lower your rents or handly longer vancies.