Trust me, I have been there.I suggest you try to House hack in cities that you are already familiar with and have some connection with.Hire a great investor agent in that market and ask them all your questions and concerns.That I believe is the best way to get personalized advice tailored to your goals and lifestyle.You giving out Cleeveland and Toledo on your post will only attract biased opinions and advise.Only you know what you truly like, want, and can deal with.As Nicolas said, read this post and comments and hope that gives you a new perspective. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1215726-break...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...Goodluck and keep us posted.

Just an opinion but this is the scenario we are investing against.  

My agent said no but I want to get a second opinion.

Everyone will have a different opinion. 

This is the best way to get into home ownership and real estate investing in my opinion.

Great tips @Collin HaysAnother "tip" is make sure you are working with a seasoned STR Realtor or your Realtor is conferring with someone like Collin a season STR Property Manager.At least once a quarter someone contacts me (as a PM) and either wants management or wants my opinion on a property and the property is illegally zoned or otherwise unsuitable for STR, although their Realtor is telling them otherwise. 

She based her opinion on the income I received this year.

@Barre Gambling I am curious... in your opinion, is our area in central NC underserved outside of the Raleigh-Cary-Durham MSAs?

Unpopular opinion since I know you're trying to buy the next property, but keeping your equity in a deal is gold.

My opinion is that an umbrella policy will provide easier and more comprehensive asset protection.