Regardless of where you get the furniture, you need to meet or exceed the competition's amenities.

What do you think is the best amenities for Airbnb in ROI value? 

Sometimes it is used, sometimes it's not, but it is an available amenity. 

Again I am not an expert on CA ski area but I imagine hot tubs are popular amenities. 

Part of the reason coastal values haven't quite scaled to heights of neighboring states is the remoteness and lack of winter sports and high end amenities and entertainment, but that doesn't mean trophy estates, ranches and homes don't exist.

I look at STR's like a fishing expedition, the more capacity, bedding configurations, amenities, etc the bigger your net, and the more fish you will catch. 

As you allocate your budget, I'd suggest factoring in a decent portion for interior design/furnishings and amenities.

I'm not too familiar with the markets yet but research I've done suggests that the towns of New Britain, New Haven and Hartford all have a good mix of inventory and low prices coupled with plenty of amenities, night life, cafes, etc and local colleges to bring younger people to the area year after year.

Identifying neighborhoods with good schools, infrastructure, and amenities can lead to finding a hidden gem.Myth 4: It Is Only Seasoned Investors Who Can Handle Distressed PropertiesExperience is helpful in real estate, but you do not need to be a seasoned investor to do well in distressed properties.

Areas like Downtown, Summerville, and West Augusta are particularly desirable due to their proximity to amenities, universities, and employment centers.In terms of your preferred strategies, it would be helpful to know what type of lending you plan to use.