Knowing the rent will likely show up each month—even if the tenant has challenges—removes a lot of the uncertainty that can come with rentals.The people listing this apartment as a “Section 8 property” are likely trying to target buyers who value that stability.

A well connected agent can also tap into their network.. for instance, probate attorneys might know of people seeking short-term solutions.

People weren't renting properties as quickly, and there was an increase in vacancy.

Well, this my opinion, if you like unpredictability, constant change and people/contractors with no regards to you or your property then "YES" flips and STRs are the way to go...LOL....I love it!!! 

Many people miss out on things like this because they simply are not aware of these options.

I really trusted my agent and knew several people who had invested in Reno so I took the leap after trying and failing for years to buy my own home in really high cost cities where I lived (NYC, DC, SF Bay area). 

@Grant ShipmanIn my experience with these units are very difficult to manage and people at the 30% level also create a new set of problems.

@Shaylynn O'LearyI think I may have posted this in response to you in another thread a while back, but here goes again.If you pick a random "low cost" market like the ones you named, don't know anyone there, don't set up a network, buy random properties, and turn them over to people you've never met to manage, you will most likely lose money. 

And what you've also seen is people that were renting 3 bedroom cabins are now deciding they can get by with the smaller one and two bedroom cabins. 

For example, in my state PA there is an inheritance tax and many TAX auction properties originate from people passing away and the heir(s) not taking control over the estate and paying those property taxes.