Do you go to stores around there all the time, have friends in the area, have other ties to the area?

Haven't seen your posts for a while.I grew up in a mixed-use property where my dad had his store, and there's a small apartment behind the 2 stores, an 8 room apartment upstairs, plus 4 garages.

Research crime rates and choose areas with a good reputation.Amenities: Look for areas with access to amenities such as grocery stores, coffee shops, gyms, and entertainment options.

@Dennis M. gave the best description I've ever read of a "D" 'hood, he said: "It's just a short stroll down the littler lined street to the local liquor store".There have been 3 or 4 murders in the area in the last few years but they were domestic disputes not gang warfare.

The local store may have a limited selection but you can find more sizes and options on their website.The tenant may very well trash them, but they are inexpensive and can easily be replaced with the deposit.

I doubt they would accept a DIY "fluff", look how cool, 3D app that spits out pictures that anyone can download from the App store.

I got to the hardware store and pick things up. 

For paint, go to your paint stores (sometimes big box stores do this as well, but usually a paint store) and ask about mistints. 

So do STR hurt yes but they also help the economy because locals benefit from the lesser number of kids in the schools and the increased amenities like restaurants and more grocery stores and shops you would not have if you weren't a STR area.

Again, the BiggerPockets store has some books on this topic, or you can learn about it by watching podcasts, reading blogs, and interacting on the forum.