Even if you joined a good mentoring program in another location, they will probably tell you to start building a team in your target market, so the end result is the same.Again, I can only speak firsthand of the Sumrok program, but I can tell you that Brad's students are absolutely doing the things you mentioned in your two bullet points.

@Daniel GrantzRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

I tried FB ads, and got some inquiries but no bookings.It would be nice to have an AI program that would respond to people looking for a certain sized property in your location for certain dates.

Location, location, location. 

We are based in NYC but are considering (as of now) locations outside of NY but within a 300 mile radius. 

A lot of the US market - housing, stock, treasuries, etc - is basically a legal money-laundering location for honest or ill-gotten gains in the rest of the world, because the markets are open to foreigners and as close to a guaranteed safe haven as can be found.

It’s located in Midwest City Oklahoma, rent for this house works easily be $850/month.

I am of the opinion that the best STRs are properties that don't compete with hotels - meaning that they are 4-5 bedrooms for large groups or have a unique location/setting. 

We attempted this in one location and were rejected as solar was a secondary use and they would not allow it to be a primary use because of NIMBY even though it has no impact on the area

They can take time with their search and be more selective about a property’s location and condition.