DT Long Beach: beachy urban setting with smaller units 1bdr; close to tourist attractions, and thinking I can STR one unit; BUT high crime rate (90 percentile); properties are older but more attractiveIs it better to go into a slightly better neighborhood in boring Riverside or a more crime ridden area of cool kid Long Beach?

It all comes down to picking the right areas that work well with your personality and attract the type of clientele you feel comfortable working with. 

And, having ready access to capital allowed us to scale more quickly.  2) Because the compensation is so balanced, it makes passive investing much more attractive.  

Be sure to dig into the HOA’s finacials before you buy.Renters: Miami attracts both long-term renters and short-term vacationers.

The city's economic development initiatives have been attracting businesses and professionals, creating opportunities for real estate investment.

I know Virginia Beach is attractive but that average price for Alexandria strikes me as rather low.

Besides a mouse trap, another effective way to deal with mice is a cat (if the tenant wants one and the lease allows it).I grew up on a family dairy farm and the barn had grain, which attracted mice.

Airbnb can get you more high value bookings if you're property attracts those. 

Just last month, from what I read in the Wall Street Journal, there’s been a growing interest in these more under-the-radar markets.. places like Casper that might not scream top-of-the-charts popularity, but quietly attract buyers who appreciate untapped potential.

You do need to have a solid PM, you can attract not great tenants.