Most take near a year in southern Ca, but you hear of exceptions in both directions on that timeline.What some developers are doing here is leveraging the affordability issue and getting permission to build additional ADUs by designating some as affordable or semi affordable units.  

Currently, I'm analyzing different markets to see which one will best match my strategy. I have a cash flow heavy, modest appreciation strategy. I'm noticing there are some really nice cash flow markets in texas, some...

Try looking into zillow/Redfin and see what your potential rents you can get near the neighborhood by filtering the bedrooms/bathrooms of the intentional property that you are planning to buy.

You jumped in at a $515k purchase and poured in close to a million in cash, then brought it all the way up to a nearly $1.85M sale.

I just happen to live near a STR in Alexandria all of a sudden lol.Some of these are ridiculous, especially the one-hour fix.

They can just be too hard to lease.On the other hand, if the area is doing well economically and its occupancy is currently strong (I certainly want a vacant or near vacant property) I think it's worth considering at least.

AND you get to live near some of the best beaches in the country. 

Check out the "Events" tab here on BiggerPockets to find some near you.

Am wanting to add a STR to my portfolio and thought having one near where I live was a better idea than investing out of state.

I'd target areas near colleges or transit hubs for affordable properties, and I’d look into financing options like FHA loans or creative financing to make the most of my capital.