The fastest way in my opinion is house hacking with Airbnb.

@Barre Gambling I am curious... in your opinion, is our area in central NC underserved outside of the Raleigh-Cary-Durham MSAs?

I would like to hear your opinion on purchasing a property in another country, like Paraguay.  

Trust me, I have been there.I suggest you try to House hack in cities that you are already familiar with and have some connection with.Hire a great investor agent in that market and ask them all your questions and concerns.That I believe is the best way to get personalized advice tailored to your goals and lifestyle.You giving out Cleeveland and Toledo on your post will only attract biased opinions and advise.Only you know what you truly like, want, and can deal with.As Nicolas said, read this post and comments and hope that gives you a new perspective. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1215726-break...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...Goodluck and keep us posted.

Again, CA is not at "risk" in that arena in my opinion but certainly it is under assault and seems to be doing next to nothing about it.

Plus for Bay area folks the fact that you can scoot over and meet them in person is a plus.Good company  and if anyone can make it work in todays market its them .. in my opinion and again I am an investor so take that with a grain of salt..Go meet with them.. do your due diligence and if you think its a fit jump aboard.

But I do believe the houses hold their appraisals better there.Horseheads is the cream of the crop in Chemung county. 

My opinion is that an umbrella policy will provide easier and more comprehensive asset protection. 

Then get another opinion.

Great tips @Collin HaysAnother "tip" is make sure you are working with a seasoned STR Realtor or your Realtor is conferring with someone like Collin a season STR Property Manager.At least once a quarter someone contacts me (as a PM) and either wants management or wants my opinion on a property and the property is illegally zoned or otherwise unsuitable for STR, although their Realtor is telling them otherwise.