Northern and central NJ are preferred as I am located in Bergen county.

Yes Pittsburgh is a good choice for Investors who either live here or are remote as the buy-in is a lot more conducive than other more saturated markets.

I prefer service over anything meaning a property manager that communicates with me whenever I have a question and is quick to solving any problems. 

Also, don't people tend to prefer Airbnb over hotels?

I usually try to get 10k but sometimes its not possible and I would prefer to make something and give the investor a good deal rather than make nothing trying to move a bad deal.

It’s not a binary on/off choice.

@Mitchell Rosenberg  - I think the overall thinking is that most prefer areas that have a growing population with a growing/stable economy base that is diversified.

There are more details here if interested.I will not tell anyone to do or not to, that is a choice that you will have to make and also it is a choice to work it or not, like any system.

You and the other posters here have been generous in indulging me in this exercise of considering this "partnership" / BRRRR, but demonstrating that we can invest successfully on our own power before seeking out partners is not only my strong preference but just sound business logic.As a new investor my head starts to spin when I start to think about investing, and the many gaps in my knowledge reveal themselves: how to structure a partnership? 

You have a choice in STR.