Sleek, stainless-steel appliances and durable, easy-to-maintain materials like quartz or granite are always safe bets.

I would RUN from this 'Contractor', his attitude is bad and you will have other issues with him I would bet...

It is much safer to assume the seller has been cutting back on expenses to boost NOI prior to the sale."

Large swings can be exhilarating, but a good investor does not bet the entire farm!

I guarantee if you do that, yes, you will got some seller financed buys, i bet you could get some sub-2's. 

Networking and asking others in your market may be your best bet.

If that's not what you're looking for, Carrot sounds like a better bet (I'm not familiar with that product, just from what people are saying).

I am looking for a property that fits my short term rental business needs, so far sticking with properties that are unincorporated and not part of any HOA are the best bet for the longer term.

There's one thing, though - I bet it's 10X the BS of any other guru!

Your best bet is to list it in the open market (MLS) with a local agent, with the option of furnished or not, and be prepared to have to clear it out should a buyer not be interested in your personal items.