The boogeyman of evictions and landlord hostile cities/states should be a secondary concern. 

Any city or area anyone has had success in recently?

In the city of Portland (Oregon) they only allow us to run rental/criminal history if a tenant applicant isn't contributing to rent (if they aren't paying, we don't get to look at their finances). 

do you have issues with the city if there are cars parked on the street or lawn?

I have a client in Kansas City that does this.

Every Week I scan the MLS, navigating cities and towns in South Florida that are friendly (and not friendly) toward short term rentals.

Then later on purchase homes with cash (single family homes), I would like to learn how to read the market and know where a state or city is thriving but also learn where it's not.

Hi Meir, welcome to BP and the magic city!  

Waco Texas is a known city that has a very good Private College, Baylor University.

If interested in adding another state / city to the list I am happy to connect - but hopefully this is irrelevant and you are already progressing along well with your purchase!!!!