Investors who are active in gathering data on local trends while working with knowledgeable agents are able to pick neighbourhoods poised for growth and also comprehend how to best mitigate their risks as they prepare to maximize their return.Myth 3: Distressed Properties Are in Bad LocationsAnother misconception is that distressed properties only exist in bad neighborhoods.

The one with the higher number has 1 active and 3 pending listings pretty similar to my property.  

The industry continues to see consolidation, with private equity-backed firms actively acquiring, albeit at a slightly slower pace than the frenzy a few years back.

I am active duty military and plan to use the property for deployments/holidays for my family to stay near relatives until I separate in 4 years, then to use that property as one of several future investment properties.

Abandon the Peurto Rico dream for now and look at more realistic/beginner friendly areas that still sport a large latin influence and strong rentals, like Florida (I've looked a little bit outside Miami..Boca Raton, Tampa, West Palm Beach, etc). 

Criminal activity is not a protected class and actual values and opinion of values and their trajectory is just data, right?

If you have a competitive advantage that you can bring to your co-hosting/managing, then I would recommend looking for owners with properties that mesh well with your target resident.For example, if you are an active duty military servicemember with unique insight into what a servicemember is looking for, lean into that.

Sounds like this could possibly be a Schedule C activity so keep self employment tax in mind.

A lease will not guarantee that your tenant will pay rent.The more active and proactive you are, the better everything will go. 

I am actively expanding my STR consulting business!