You can get supplies to convert it into a pool from Amazon for around $200.

STR rents are great as long as you can ensure a consistent supply of renters. 

Supply all approval documentation.- Hire an inspector.  

Everything goes through cycles; interest rates, affordability, rents, supply of housing, cap rates, rental vs home ownership etc. 

Also, in terms of deciding whether it is a good investment, location, market condition, demand and supply are equally important. 

However, is there any way to help determine who is just blowing smoke vs. those who really know their stuff and can be trusted? 

Having a substantially greater housing supply would in theory lower market rents in the area, but there will still always be folks who'd never consider an apartment over a SFH.

It’s 21$ a month also a tax write off under office supply and software!

The kind  of renter who won’t pay 3$ for a new smoke detector battery or a swap out a light bulb .my  black lab will leave our cool air conditioned house to go lay in the hot sun out on the deck !

At the hot and cold water supply shut off for washer next to the discharge hose see if connection is old style turn handle or newer on or off selection.