I think what I’m seeing so far in CO Springs is that it has a good blend of both tourism and jobs, so that I would have the flexibility of STR for furnished/corporate housing or vacation rentals.

A large medical district, major tourism attractions and the center of state legislation. 

Nothing against Arizona, but the top industry in Arizona are what tourism, mining and manufacturing?

Hard to say what the real estate market around here will do right now, so it's hard to estimate how much money I will have to spend.I think Penticton is a great investment area as it is a popular and quickly growing retirement area for Canadians as well the surronding area has a strong tourism, wine, and natural resources industries. 

Yet millions still haven’t been able to go back to their old jobs and some have few prospects of ever doing so, especially in industries such as travel and tourism.

There's a commercial airport that makes it just a one hour flight from SFO or DEN, plus a thriving tourism/vacation rental business (ex-covid) along the Coast, an outdoor recreation mecca,  and some world class golf courses that cinch it as a somewhat well kept secret for rich golfers.

If it's a big home in an area with lots of tourism, and you can charge big money for shorter (1-3 night) stays perhaps it will pay off.

For example Detroit suffered from the collapse of the auto industry and Orlando is being hurt currently because it relies on tourism (e.g. theme parks).

Living in Las Vegas, the Hotel and Tourism Industry is definitely hurt due to the Corona Virus.

And the relationship with countries outside the union, like the UK, the US or China.In countries that depend on tourism this crisis is already worrying, and since the summer season is going to be over soon, there will be a long year ahead with a lagging economy to support (somehow), with rampant unemployment, empty comercial real estate, small business going bankrupt... not a great picture really.