At some point in the future, the economy will have another crisis. 

Since your post, I've looked into the DORA and it seems to be a great  boost for the economy right in the neighborhood I am looking at investing in. 

Time for the economy to reset and interest rates to come down. 

I would check some of the sub markets 15-40 minutes from Raleigh city center that still benefits from the Raleigh economy.- Everyone's situation and goals are different but I would assume there are a few quality markets within an hour of where you are located in Florida that would check a lot of your boxes. 

For rates to drop considerably something has to change in the economy.

I'm working on making these relationships stronger by giving more than just returns and making sure that every interaction feels like it has value.

Cincinnati is one of Ohio’s oldest cities, and its economy is well-diversified, with five Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the city (Kroger and Procter & Gamble are the top 2).

With time rents will go up and you'll start cashflowing in year 2 or 3, and year 5 to 10 when interest drops you can lower your payment and cashflow much stronger.

I wouldn’t purchase a STR property anywhere it wouldn’t work as a MTR or LTR unless its local economy is based on STR.

@Tove Fox - Residential Real Estate InvestingPros:Lower Entry Costs: Easier to get started with less capital required.High Demand: People always need homes, making demand relatively stable.Easier Financing: Mortgages are generally easier to secure with favorable terms.Simplicity: Easier to understand and manage, especially for beginners.Flexibility: You can use it as a personal residence or rent it out.Cons:Tenant Turnover: More frequent turnover leads to vacancy and more management.Lower Cash Flow: Income potential can be modest compared to commercial properties.Emotional Buyers: Residential prices can be influenced by emotions, leading to price volatility.Maintenance Burden: Landlords often deal with repairs and maintenance, which can be time-consuming.Commercial Real Estate InvestingPros:Higher Income Potential: Stronger cash flow and higher returns are common.Long-Term Leases: Tenants often sign longer leases (3-10 years), reducing vacancy risk.Professional Tenants: Business tenants tend to take better care of the property.Valuation Based on Income: Prices are based on the income the property generates, not market emotions.Shared Costs: Tenants often cover property expenses like taxes, insurance, and maintenance (via triple-net leases).Cons:High Entry Costs: Requires more capital or partnerships to get started.Complex Management: More expertise is needed; you may need a professional property manager.Economic Sensitivity: Commercial properties are more sensitive to economic conditions.Challenging Financing: Securing financing can be harder, with stricter terms and higher interest rates.Zoning and Legalities: More complex regulations compared to residential properties.Key Differences:Risk: Residential tends to be lower risk, while commercial offers higher rewards but with greater risk.Management: Residential is easier for DIY investors, while commercial properties usually require a team.Scalability: Commercial properties are easier to scale, offering more potential for significant cash flow increases.