Ask 3 or 4 companies that work with the size and type of deals you're analyzing and you'll likely pick up some themes. 

If not, you are going to get pitched and sold and DM'd before you even know what's going on.Bay Area investors invest all over the US, but you don't want to just pick a random market because someone in an internet forum told you to.

He received quotes to remove the texture ceiling, paint the interior, purchase and install new kitchen cabinets and counters (including completing the design), picked out 2 floorings to get quotes which will be provided this week, and determined furnace is beyond saving (I will likely get HVAC quote for him).  

I keep getting the run around and saying oh it's just the slow months and things will be picking up soon. 

If I may pick your brain a bit more.

If it is, I will certainly pick it up and give it a read. 

If you simply go to your meetups and let folks know your a private lender you can sift through the deals and cherry pick them.

Just be ready for the ride...it’s not always smooth sailing, but if you play it right, those jitters can turn into some seriously sweet returns.And if you do end up jumping on a short-term rental in Tampa Bay, just pick up the phone and let's dig into it.

this will yield a bunch of random markets all over the countrywhy not pick a market where you have some kind of advantage and focus all your energy on that? 

I think because I've been learning about it so much and talking to so many people, I'm in a state of analysis paralysis and I just need to pick a good deal and go with it with the team that I form.