I am considering a 12 unit multifamily property in my home market of Harrisburg, PA. 

The key for me wasn't to invest in the 'best place' but to know a market so well that a deal jumps off the page when it appears.

I have a friend/neighbor that wants to sell me his house below market value so he can move back into an apartment and travel.

➡️Harness the power of branding and marketing.

Quote from @Shayan Sameer: Quote from @Samuel Diouf: Columbus, Ohio is a great market to consider if you're looking for appreciation markets that still have cashflowing deals under $200k.

I don't know if shifting to MTR could generate greater interest but it doesn't solve the marketability issue and all you are doing is punting the root issue down the road. 

Then they will start the process over.As for finding a market. 

Sit back and wait for the market conditions to flip to where those strategies would work for me, or adapt to the current market.  

But it's playing with fire to buy there if STR is a priority as it's very likely they will eventually start enforcing it better.Yes I've seen this same thing in some of the markets we operate in.

And if houses are showing an owner having been there for 10+ years when that owner actually sold 8 months ago, then I might market to a completely unqualified lead.