Is anyone actively doing midterm rentals in this general area and willing to help some new comers out?

Im really interested in buying some cashflowing rentals in Ohio, Indiana, Arkansas, maybe the Carolinas.

Is buying a rental into a living trust a good idea?

We have had rental properties where the HOA had a community pool, that was ok with me.

Seller is the Agent.Seller bought property in January of 2023 for $730,000Current “As Is” Value : $770,000Target Acquisition Price: $730,000-$780,000 After Repaired Value: $900,000Repair Estimate: $120,000Initial Offer Amount: $715,000Loan Program: Bank Statement Program.Total Estimated Monthly Payments (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance) $5500/month (based on $770k purchase price)Estimated Gross Yearly Income from Short Term Rental: $160,000 (65% Occupancy, $700 a night| (STR Listing Comparable properties Listing 1 Listing 2 Listing 3)Net Monthly Income after management and taxes: $11,751.25Net Monthly Income after Mortgage Payments: $6251.25 ($75,015) Per YearTotal Cash Investment: $297,000 ($177,000 in down payment and closing costs and $120,000 in repairs)Average Yearly Return on Investment: 25% yearlyAverage increase in property value per year: 5%Average increase in booking revenue per year 7.5%Property Value average after 10 years: $1.5 millionTotal Cash received over 10 years: $1.3 million.Total Equity multiple min over 10 years: 6x total return on $297,000 invested.

It might be just me... but I don't think long term rental might be the move here. 

for fix and rental projects or for fix and flips?

If local options aren't a fit, expand your search to other markets with strong rental demand.

Do you think a duplex is generally a better investment than a single-family home for rental purposes?

Lancaster city limits short term rentals to only certain zones of the city so definitely look at the city website for that information.