As everybody else stated review your basic protection with P&C and umbrella coverage and run your rentals like a business, easier said than done.   

Your definition of "cash flow" does not match what experienced investors teach or look for. 

Jeff - Sorry to hear you are experiencing delays in lease up. 

True, but (a) they were typically experienced investors, and (b) today's market includes record prices and high mortgage rates, which is a double whammy. 

But I'd suggest you definitely partner with an experienced investor.

You'll likely want someone that can handle A to Z with marketing, pricing, cleaning, maintanence, decor, websites, reviews etc.

You get some of the strongest rent demand in the Phoenix area being closer to downtown, and then you position yourself for the upside of the growing North Phoenix economy with TSMC and other economic developments.If you want more info, I can send you the 3-5 most recent properties my clients have purchased in the last month for you to review.

I've narrowed down the best return for my money in this market to a 2 bed/2 bath (with top tier amenities) - about 500 total 2/2 listings.I'm finding myself a bit stuck when analyzing why certain properties are making so much higher than the average listings when they seem to have very similar locations, amenities, style, flow of home, beds/# of people they sleep, reviews, number of reviews, etc.

Especially looking to hear from anyone experienced with STRs in San Antonio.Thanks in advance!

No property exists in a vacuum.If the city is reviewing a permit application for a landfill nearby that's important to know today.