Over the weekend, I have been actively touring various apartment complexes and reaching out to numerous potential partners via email.However, I've encountered a setback; some of these apartment complexes have declined to work with me due to my lack of experience with prior Short-Term Rentals (STRs).

I know this isn't possible right now but if it does become realistic I would strongly encourage you to come into town and meet with a few managers and have them take you on an area tour of potential investment neighborhoods.Don't get too caught up in the fees. 

Get the matter port tour and website.

I think the right recipe for you is to connect with local experts in each location (plenty of people to connect with here on BP), fly out, and then have them each give you a thorough tour of their city.

I was running an investor tour with a bus full of 46 people.

You'd more than likely touring foreclosed homes with serious issues trying to find the "diamond in the rough" you're looking for. 

v=5VqwIzyk83MAs part of the marketing campaign for this project, we produced professional grade virtual tours of the house in its before and after condition.

Many of us get together for property tours and dinner meetups but that might be a little difficult to participate in from China.  

Additionally, a house on my street a few houses sold this past Spring that's a very similar style of house, I toured the inside as well.

Usually one is doing the tour while one is assisting prospects complete applications.