You’ll likely need to look beyond the city limits (in areas that are still close enough to the city to benefit from its local economic tailwinds) if you want to find deals that pencil out.

I'm also hopeful to get some local cooperation now that he's claiming partnerships with local government. 

I say start there, exhaust your local efforts before jumping toward "shiny things" and unknown markets, persons etc.. 

That will give you a good idea of how it will go.Plus you can go over to https://awning.com/airbnb-estimator and put in some addresses and see the local competition.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the local market here or want to connect! 

Reaching out to local agents?

Local CPI for this period is 3.6% so max increase in 8.6%. 

You can also do value add STR & Multi-Family Rentals by starting with distressed properties and using a bridge loan to acquire them with a lower down payment compared to a DSCR loan.Networking – Connect with local investors, wholesalers, and realtors in your target markets.

There's a local PM that I believe knows a lot of the ins and outs of this, @Drew Sygit

I've also signed up for New Orleans REI meet ups in the upcoming weeks in hopes of making valuable connections in the local market.