Look for ownership name in LLC and address's other than property, these 2 things are very good indicators it's a rental property. 

I've seen some recent articles indicating that Booking.com is trying to compete more against Airbnb.

(I don’t do STR deals so my comments are more about long term buy and hold residential RE.)Data by its nature is historical - it’s a lagging indicator. 4 years ago the Southeast was the place to be.

Likewise, I’d need to work out how prospects would tour properties safely, legally, and at minimal expense.

So minimal impact to credit during the rehab process.It appraised for $173k after rehab, refinanced and paid everyone off including the seller, and walked with cash to do my next deal :)

This was buying dead brands where PROFESSIONALS in those particular industries in question couldn’t avoid bankruptcy and every single major brand in those industries failed to bid even a minimal amount to buy those brand names  - because they knew those brand names were worthless.  

Borrowing cash from another source does create a lot of risk so make sure to stick to your numbers and make the deal happen where you minimize that risk.Another option perhaps not mentioned is a wrap-style deal subject to or seller financing.

Having the ability to live for free, while minimizing the taxes on my W2 income.

The biggest indicator that they should not be comped against each other is from the market price of each.  

My Google research also indicated a lot of overinflated promises on monthly returns from the asset class in general.