Every Week I scan the MLS, navigating cities and towns in South Florida that are friendly (and not friendly) toward short term rentals.

Property values have been appreciating rapidly in recent years, and the city’s population has started growing again—a trend we haven’t seen in decades.I’m also based in California and have been investing in Detroit for several years, so I understand the concerns of out-of-state investing.

Waco Texas is a known city that has a very good Private College, Baylor University.

But, did you know that your beautiful country of origin Mexico also has plenty of exciting real estate investment opportunities?

Here is some info: SF STR FAQAssuming the info is up-to-date, it must be your permanent residence (you must live at the property for a minimum 275 days a year), you can rent unhosted a max of 90 nights a year, you need a business license, and you need to pay the city $925 for a STR certificate.

I don't know CLE per se (I'm based in STL), but I know the financial side of gut rehabs in urban centers of big cities.

Given your situation, a property closer to Nashville might be more advantageous for short-term rentals like Airbnb, as proximity to a popular city typically attracts more guests and higher rental income.

Target ReturnsWhile target returns are crucial, these should be discussed only with investors—not brokers or others helping you find deals.Sample Investment CriteriaHere’s an example of well-defined CCC:Location: Primary and secondary cities in the Southeast with population growth.Type & Class: Class C garden-style or walk-up workforce housing with repositioning opportunities.Age: 1980s construction or newer (case-by-case for older).Price: $5M–$12M, requiring $1.5M–$3M in funds.Size: 100+ units.Cap Rates: Market rates.Roof Type: Pitched roofs preferred.Value-Add: Opportunities for improvements or better management.Why This MattersBy creating crystal clear criteria, you:Avoid wasting time on deals that don’t align with your goals.Build trust with brokers and partners by demonstrating a focused investment strategy.Increase your chances of finding deals that meet your financial and operational objectives.I'll be posting each chapter as I go through them so you can follow along from my notes and we can discuss different strategies.

Quote from @Reyna Ayala: Hi first time landlord to a duplex in new city.

I navigate through cities and towns, identifying areas that are both friendly and challenging for STRs.