I’m very familiar with the city but have been gone three years, so curious what’s happening on the ground.

I am moving from Kansas City Missouri.

I did have a relative living there and my wife went to school there so I had some familiarity with the city. 

Each week, I analyze the MLS, exploring cities and towns across South Florida to identify areas favorable (or not) to short-term rentals.

Any city or area anyone has had success in recently?

I'm looking into cities of central AR (LR, NLR, Benton/Bryant) Hot Springs area, and NW AR (Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville).If you don't mind me asking, what is it you like to offer new investors?

Then later on purchase homes with cash (single family homes), I would like to learn how to read the market and know where a state or city is thriving but also learn where it's not.

I guess my next question is, why Kansas City? 

Verifying last 2 years of rental history and income extremely important to find the “best of the worst”.Make sure you understand the Class of properties you are looking at and the corresponding results to expect.The City of Detroit has 183 Neighborhoods we’ve analyzed.DM us if you’d like to discuss this logical approach in greater detail!

Given your situation, a property closer to Nashville might be more advantageous for short-term rentals like Airbnb, as proximity to a popular city typically attracts more guests and higher rental income.