It seems like there are a lot of choices out there so I am looking for anything that can help me navigate making a decision. 

So, average cash flow is a product of the choices you make and the capital you have to deploy, as well as your lendability.I think what @Alecia Loveless wrote should be very helpful to you in terms of judging the money coming in, but it all depends on your location and investments.

It’s a familiar debate, as Californians have faced this choice twice since 2018.Under the 2019 Tenant Protection Act, rent hikes have been capped at 10% per year or lower if inflation rates dictate.

or is email sufficient?

The choice depends on your threshold of what hassle you are willing to put up with vs what expense is worth it to avoid the hassle. 

That would be my choice if I exited out of Indiana.I'm not a huge fan of paying cash for properties since you're tying up a large amount on one property.

What I mean is if it's already a rental with most of the basics in place, it shouldn't matter if you spend 3k or 25k, if it cash flows sufficiently.

With builders offering in-house financing as low as 5.5% for investors/second home owners, and warranties on roofs and HVAC systems, I continue to support new construction as a solid choice for LTR buyers.

I think many people have sufficiently answered your question, but here's an article that you may find helpful regarding STRs to determine if this is a strategy you are interested in.

When starting out if real estate, you pretty much have no choice but to either join a team or join a large brokerage that offers hands on training.