I have watched some Youtubes and most operators say 3-4 bedrooms and 2 baths are ideal.

Since you're a U.S. citizen living abroad, non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) programs designed for foreign nationals might be an ideal solution for your situation.

Short-term rentals are ideal in tourism-driven states, while medium-term rentals near military bases provide stability.

I'm currently looking for a multifamily property, ideally with 10+ units and a cap rate of 7% or higher.

From around 2010-2020 I built and managed a small-medium-sized portfolio in my area (which is not an ideal market).

Not ideal, but was in another country and work is crazy.Aiming to have solid capital set aside to invest in a first time loan by early next year. 

But with the rising costs, breaking even seems less ideal, and I’m questioning if it's the best strategy in this market.Current Consideration: After digging into the numbers, I’m seriously considering going the STR route instead.

Ideally it's a long term hold for 10+ years.

I’m about to relocate to Ocean County, NJ, specifically around the Howell/Brick area, due to my fiancé’s one-year medical residency.I’m interested in investing in a single-family home or duplex that I could live in for about one to three years, ideally within a 15-mile radius of Jersey Shore and Newark Beth Israel hospitals.

Ideally, they should have asked more questions and really listened to what you’re looking for in future tax services before trying to close the deal.That said, you’ve flagged something important—maybe they’re not the right fit for you.