Thanks for the insight @Michael Baum, do you go into a new STR with a specific guest demographic in mind or tailor the experience to one you notice is showing stronger interest as you operate? 

If I don’t know the answer, I can point you in the direction of someone that does :)  I second this new construction in our market in Columbus Ohio is much stronger.

Instead of buying a single family residence buy a multi family to live in, this will help in real dollars as well as make you a stronger borrower for the bank.Don't wait until you have cash to buy a property.

Although I'm not the same person I was 3 years ago, I'm stronger, smarter and through all the darkness I believe I've found my light.I embark on my journey into real estate investing starting TODAY. 

There are a few things that are different than a few of you rather forcefully suggest.1) The finance company with the 4Plex is already offerring 6.5 % financing ( not 8%) and my friend who did go for the deal has already closed on that. 2)I was assuming 40% because the building is brand new and they even changed some of the building materials for investors because we wanted stronger more durable products with better warranties. 3)Also these equations don't take into account that rents over the next 20 years will be going up probably at least to $800.

Think California will become stronger once the homeless are rehabilitated housed and enter the workforce.

Though they are both growing, the Lehigh Valley has much stronger demand and higher price points, coupled with correspondingly higher rents.

In the end he ended up getting offers for both, but the rental market proved much stronger and he decided to rent it. 

The reason I ask is bc I'm in Tampa and know that list providers are stronger in certain areas. 

Anyway, for what it's worth, you've got stronger schools to pick from in JOCO, which in my opinion will create better value for your primary residence.