BRRRR, flips, long-term buy and holds, high cash flow, good potential appreciation in the right areas, mid-term rentals (many traveling nurses come here because of the Cleveland Clinic), Air Bnbs, etc.

Water, air, sewage?

I haven't had any problems at higher temperatures, but the lock itself is inside an air conditioned property.

I’m active duty Air Force and maxed out my VA loan with three properties.Birmingham has some cheaper properties, but may not bring the cash flow that STRs in Florida might bring.It all depends on your timeline, numbers, funds, and comfort level.

I'm still up in the air.

Some people are allergic to rabbit hair so I would need to get the air ducts and entire house deep cleaned if the tenant moves out. 

Like @Alan Asriants and @Matthew Paul said location, location, location, an area during the day and night are very different things in Philadelphia.While the cashflow might be great, the greater the risk the greater the reward, but there are still plenty of other areas where you can get 200-400/month without being near the largest open air drug market on the east coast.

I personally like it when there is a IRS lien scares the uninformed away and much less competition .. it also keeps those that MUST get a HML to pay off the cash they invested as quick as possible..

I'd look into Air BnB, VRBO, Furnished Finder, PadSplit, and perhaps even booking.com (I know a lot of STR operators use this, not sure of MTR potential but worth checking out). 

Just my 2 cents you are breath fresh air preach truth finally 1 other intelligent person beside cute blonde from ny. lol