Some places that were growing now are not and vice versa.

http://www.upworthy.com/arkansas-has-a-lot-of-explaining-to-do-why-are-they-the-only-state-in-america-with-this-law?c=huf1?c=huf1

The problem is that even if a property has an acceptable leveraged ROI, there are so many types and varieties of financing that a bad deal could look good and vice-versa.

These books are a great start if you haven't read them already.In my opinion, I would go for a SFR vice an apartment or condo.  

Something that's A for me might be B for you and vice versa.

Would the savings of managing the rehab ourselves (especially when my wife is available and experienced working with some people vice hiring a GC to do it be worth it?

As for criteria, guests and hosts rely on a review system; if a guest/host has even a single negative review, it is unlikely they will find anyone willing to host them, and vice versa.

I've had them change monthly where my interest carry was low and when project completed were higher and vice versa.

Use a vice grip, or grind/cut the head off, if the above ideas don't work, then cut off remainder after you remove the frame.

Any use, even one that pays no rent is better than nothing at all2) Given rule #1, your focus should not be on the credit quality of the potential tenant but rather the potential success they can have in your space.3) The surrounding neighborhood and space will dictate the success of the tenant, not vice versa.