You will probably be better of doing a google search for reports based on your criteria.Something like this Forbes article on fast growing cities:  https://www.forbes.com/sites/samanthasharf/2018/02...Or  the US govt census data:https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/201...Also something to think about is how easy is it to get to your investment properties? 

I don't know enough securities law to tell you if there is a way you can broker the transaction legally, but you should be very careful and seek out some expert legal advice.Here are a couple of links regarding SEC enforcement against unlicensed securities salesmen:https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2014-98http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?

It will be a matter of pressing one or two buttons when it comes time to re-list the same unit in the future, assuming you don't need to make any changes to the listing.  

Once I read that coupled with hiring a local mentor really got off the bench and got my first deal.

It has been working wonderful for me even off season hasn't been bad so far (fingers crossed)  Airbnb gets some negative press with the hotel industry feeling the pinch but I feel it has given it free advertising and more people are aware of it now. 

The "bathroom bill" that got a lot of press but went nowhere in the Texas legislature will not help.On the other hand, in Texas the incentives will be in the Billions of dollars. 

I’m a newbie l, and I understand this is a who get it’s it first type deal but I mean I still have bench marks I have to hit before I shop to a buyer.

I learned everything I needed to know in the Nolo Press book for California landlords.I can see you are passionate about the subject, but because I disagree with you, that does not make my advice "bad," and yours "good."  

Its the third largest city in PA, but doesn't get a lot of press.

No one person can do it all- If you find a handyman that is good at hanging up blinds- don't ask them to fix a sink or fix a dishwasher- have a deep bench of people who are highly skilled at certain areas.