Provides a lot of content on what to consider when buying an STR.

There is a risk but one thing you can do to minimize is to have them provide information - full names, address, where they work, etc.

In turn they provide me with a steady flow of off market properties.

You could make this work ST, MT or LT, depending on how you approach it - the key with unique grounds is owner-provided upkeep and service built into the listing and what permits allow. 

For properties in Central Ohio, you can access records through the Franklin County Recorder's Office, which provides a public records search tool to help you look up property details, including any liens.

It is hard to beat the appreciation, cashflow, tax benefit and the hedge it provides against inflation. 

Short-term stays tend to bring higher revenue, but long-term rentals can provide stability.If the area gets strong tourist traffic, STRs could be a great fit.

A lot of hosts I know use pool fences, safety signs, and provide life jackets to help reduce risk.

Keeping the Vancouver property could provide strong rental income, long-term appreciation, and diversification, but it also comes with tax implications, foreign ownership rules, and management challenges.

I wonder if your local MLS provider has a list of MLS_only brokers in their system?