Claudia,  I am in the Pocono area and simply want to advise you ,There have been lots of problems with STR in the area and due to thatmany  of the townships in Monroe and Carbon and Pike counties  are writing and enforcing  STR zoning regulations. 

My first bit of advice here is becoming familiar with the zoning & restrictions for the land you are looking at. 

Some crime isn't a major issue, but if PMs won't take the deal that's a massive red flag. 

.- They are as close to identical as possible in style, condition, age, location, beds, baths, living area, acreage, garage and basement specs, town vs private utilities, flood zones, etc.Finally, I'd like to be sure that the agent hasn't run automated comps. 

Part of what keeps the area great is everyone is terrified of "Detroit" and labels the entire area as a "war zone" whereas, we have markets of entirely $500k homes.

Using the same argument that he did about better to have you as a collaborated, if he wants to build a multifamily, there will likely require a zoning application and it would be better to have your support.

You are trying to buy something at the top of a red hot seller's market!

Multi-family has been red hot.

Through my research of local zoning, I would be able to subdivide three 2 acre lots off of the total 12.5 acres.

I am looking at purchasing a 4 unit commercially zoned apartment building in Virginia.