I'm also in Idaho, the Idaho Falls market.

Any changes in federal spending could influence the job market and, subsequently, the real estate market.4.

Any recommendations for free tools to do market research?

I remember a buddy who once represented a client in the Santa Cruz Mountains.. this client turned an old barn into a shared art studio and invited local artists to rent the space, which ended up boosting inccome in ways they never imagined.The Redwood market can be tricky because of environmental restrictions, zoning quirks, and limited inventory.

Keep in mind that this is also a very tough time to be entering the market as an agent because the inventory is so low.  

Utilities included.Fully rented.For sale off market.

If the Tampa Bay area interests you at all, which is another strong STR market with a solid economy, I recommend reaching out to @Josh Green.

I know that interest on the acquisition loan can be included in the cost basis since it’s inventory.

In addition, some of those fire victims can afford to pay top of market price for homes. 

Most of the ones I bought had existing tenants and almost all were paying below market rents and way below market rents.