A quality deal you have control (under contract, seller only wants to work with you, etc.)3.) 

The allowed rent amount should be pegged to market rent, so it would only be way off if your unit is a way different quality or neighborhood compared to average. 

A lot of people will pay $1200/nt for 4 crappy budget motel 6 quality rooms at the All-Star resort rather than $175/nt for an 8br themed out mansion with a private pool, theater, and $30,000 arcade room.To answer your original question on investing over a long-term period, that is really this market's main strength. 

I really am a fan of RISD because it is high quality across DFW in general even relative to the big names in Collin county.

Tell them that you are serious about running a quality STR and to have them call you at the first sign of problems.That will give them some peace of mind and have a way to get a hold of you instead of calling the cops.

Other factors such as the quality of the tenant, and location will also determine the value you can get.

If you don’t have one already, try adding a video or virtual tour to attract more interest.Make sure your photos are high-quality and show the best features of the home.

Best way to find cohosting gigs is to look for properties that should be performing well based on their location and quality of furnishings or amenities but cannot seem to get good reviews.

But I also sometimes think owning only 1 property in LA would be less stressful and a more reasonable mortgage payment would improve my quality of life.

Are their listings detailed with good quality photos?