Right now the press is pretty much just looking for clicks on the hot topic. 

Justin Long (the STR landlord) didn't do so hot in that movie lol.Been doing mine for 2.5 years. 

Demand for rentals is near non-existent in this specific town during the winter, and demand is extremely hot in the summer months.

I have a question about how often I should follow up with a warm/hot lead.

Portage Park has been a hot growth area!

It's certainly enough data to point you in the right direction.Otherwise, here's an article I published on the fastest growing economies in the nation, and many of these places are quite affordable and good places to start (Cincinnati, Columbus, Oklahoma City, etc).13 Real Estate Hot Spots You Won’t Want to Miss Next YearI hope my perspective helped.

The previous owners did a do-it-yourself remodel which had tons of red flags if I had taken the time to cross-reference the sellers disclosure with the inspection report, but at that time the market was hot and I had to move fast.

Its up to you as the builder to negotiate a fee that your happy to pay.. and Frankly market conditions dictate commission in hot markets one might be able to just stick a sign in the yard and do yourself.. still pretty tough or just put them on MLS and negotiate the buyers agents commish like the new rules dictate..

There have been quite a few "hot-headed" investors who came through and were unsuccessful.

Rochester, NY is a very hot market, there are very few homes for sale.