I still attend local meet ups and talk to dozens of investors and am considering other strategies like Mid-Term Rentals or rent by the room. 

If long-term rentals don’t cash flow, short-term or mid-term rentals (Airbnb, traveling nurses, corporate stays) might work better.

If your goal is financial freedom, which is a long-term goal, not so much.Financial freedom is a long-term proposition, not a one-time event.

These are not long-term rental properties, and our guests are traveling to the desert for vacation, not because they need a place to live for two nights on a weekend. 

Essentially gamifying the learning of real estate jargon, terms, laws, etc!

Then do a thorough research on tenant applicants (note: leaving this to a PM may be hazardous to your financial health) and choose the one that is most “stable” with the best potential for long term tenancy.This advice is contrary to maximization of rental income, but IMO will reduce expenses of tenant turnover, property damage, property management fees so much that the difference in bottom line income will be quite small.  

Half the team focuses on long term rental management and the other half focuses on short term.

For example, you can use this link to get detailed information, https://spotcrime.com/map?

Here's a detailed guide on how to screen applicants: Application Screening Guide

Whether you’re targeting strong cash flow or long-term appreciation, understanding the dynamics of each neighborhood is key.