They are managing their own STRs like a luxury hotel, implementing renting strategies similar to NYC and LA where they are renting out rooms and targeting schools and traveling nurses.The clients I have that want an auto-pilot property to do well are not living in reality right now.

I did a 5 unit in the city and the property/school tax was only $1,800 per year!

After analyzing the local Mercer County market I've noticed there are not that many MFH that are desirable meaning cash flow can occur, but appreciation, schools and good tenants will be at risk.

Not a lot of traffic, most have an agent, and even if I force everyone to sign in, they often give school emails or bogus numbers. 2.

I do actually plan to move to Houston from California for school but that is not until the near future.

Not sure if you have kids or plan to eventually, but we also have a couple of top-ranked school districts. 

Figure out the median price point of a given MSA that U want to invest in and buy at or above that value this will get you in better schools.3.

But then in walks the owner occupant or the house hacker who “love the house” or the neighborhoods or the school district.

Turning a single-family home into a room-by-room rental strategy really paid off, especially in a neighborhood like Portage Park where whole apartments typically rent for less.The demand for month-to-month flexibility is growing, especially in cities like Chicago, where people might need shorter-term housing due to job relocations, school, or other temporary situations.

@Sharad Reddy Roseville and Rocklin is great in placer county and schools are one of the best in that county.