Phoenix contains a rare combination of elements that have created an outstanding market for distressed property investments, including the following:Cost Savings: Distressed properties are sold below their market value and enable investors to take hold of properties at a trifle compared to traditionally listed properties.Strong Market Fundamentals: Being among the fastest-growing cities in the country, Phoenix ensures a high demand in housing and rentals, hence good potential for resale or income from rentals.Value Creation Opportunities: Most distressed properties need renovations; thus, such situations present opportunities for investors to increase equity by adding value.Population and Economic Growth: Phoenix remains among those cities in the country which are attracting more and more residents and business; therefore, this presents good, long-term appreciation possibilities of property appreciation and income creation.Challenges to ConsiderWhile the rewards can be great, distressed property investment is not without its challenges.

Part of the motivation for congress writing Dodd Frank was to clamp down on the investors offering preditory terms re  rent to own and seller financing and that view has carried into craigslist rent to own adds and you say zillow. 

I’m torn between going the wholesaling route or sticking with long-term rentals. 

However, there are other loans designed for fixer uppers referred to us hard money loans, bridge loans, or fix and flip loans but whatever you want to call them they're essentially short term, interest only loans with no prepayment penalties designed to finance a higher % of your purchase price and typically all of your renovations not to exceed a certain % of the ARV (typically 75% max). 

But as long as it's marketed properly and not way over market price, you will get a decent amount of prospects and should rent it out within 2-4 weeks.

The right message to the right audience.Then marketing is all about value.Unless we know what exactly it is who you are targeting, it will be hard to help.Short-term rentals?

For instance, the term could be 3 years and add a clause that says they have to return the property to the condition it was in when they moved in, not just keep their deposit. 

Make sure it explicitly explains the process for termination if you are unhappy with their services, especially if they violate the terms of your agreement.3.

The strategies I'm most interested in are Flips, BRRRRs, small multifamily as well as short/medium term rentals.

Focus on getting your finances in order, setting achievable goals, and finding a mentor or local real estate groups to guide you.