I am intrigued by this idea because the avg price for single-family homes in this area is not very high, and there is a steady flow of military families looking to rent due to the large military presence. 

A person's criminal history, financial condition, presence of civil suits (evictions), outstanding judgments or defaults, income, financial abilities, kind of car or truck they drive, etc... these are not protected or covered by fair housing laws.

Will the presence of external income from other individuals make this situation more "earned" and less "passive"?

There is a continuous 24/7 presence of crews that do this. 

Over the past 3 years I have been spending about 6 months a year in the USA; enough time to make me a US tax resident because I meet the "substantial presence test". 

The main hazard is the presence of black mold. 

.#6 Commercial BuildingsThe commercial real estate consists of properties the owner rents out to businesses, which includes “mixed-use” buildings.Many benefits of investing in the commercial real estate are similar to the residential real estate, although additional benefits include: Potentially higher income.Building professional relationships via a public presence, such as owning an arena in a large city.Advantageous lease terms, such as triple net leases.

We don't have a presence right now in Astoria.

I think my presence on city council would be a welcome outsiders voice," Poeppelmeier said.Aubrey Hornsby, another local realtor, announced a city council bid.He says he is also frustrated with how things have been handled between the city and its residents.He feels like they don't have a voice and he's hoping to change that.

I would avoid all the above markets you mentioned and head for a true vacation market that is driven by tourism with a low hotel presence and a strong STR presence