But I want to watch news that's more than NPCs saying "Orange Man Bad")

Sounds like your spot is in a great location.Focus is key, but you can only focus once you know what you're after.If you're seeking to maximize cashflow, you'll be targeting different areas than if you're seeking long-term appreciation, which can be a risky proposition depending on the location and current cashflow.For example, on paper, returns in riskier markets will appear higher from a cashflow standpoint (think  rougher sections of Newark, East Orange, etc.).

If you want to get more involved on the policy side of things, Eli Spevak of Orange Splot LLC is trying to get the City of Portland to change its zoning rules for tiny houses: http://www.orangesplot.net/changing-the-rules/.  

If neighbors, or people in town, see you as someone that is not from the area trying to build an STR empire, you will likely get brushback.As I also do STRs in Orange County, CA -- comparitively, I view JT as relatively low-risk to ever losing the option to rent out my properties short-term.

Hello BP nation, My name is Keaton English; I'm a new agent in Orange County with a primary emphasis on investing.

Your ALL in cost is only a cup of coffee.I am currently flipping homes in Orange County and teach others how to do so as well.

My husband and I are house hacking in south orange NJ.

What he did was to get his company that had transferred him to Orange Co., CAto contact my Property Manager with backup.  

After trying my hand in Arizona with flipping and finding no success (aka analysis paralysis) I moved to Orange County, CA to start a sober living with a buddy.

I probably won't be able to help much seeing as how I mainly flip in LA and Orange Counties, but as you can tell, there are many here willing to help.