If an investor has the time, knowledge, capital and experience to be an active property investor then there are a number of strategies , that, depending on the economic market can be used to accelerate wealth building.  

Depending on what the potential jobs offer in terms of income, does this seem like a realistic strategy?

STR rental was $3,500 to $6,000 per month, depending on season.

I have tried both, I think it depends on the market you are targeting and the type of leads.

Hi @Jerry Nogueras that depends on your goals and how open minded you are to different strategies. 

While your exact cost will depend on your market, I have a GC client in Columbus OH that is building triplexes at just under $200/SF.

Prosper and Lending Club also offer peer 2 peer loans, usually up to $40-$50k depending on which company you look at.

Most of our out of state investors in Pittsburgh find success depending on their expectations.

A contractor can help with this or realtor who has done this3. depending on what side of highway 35 this is on is going to be a huge deal4.

This really depends on what your looking to do however for a very basic overview far west side is great, downtown and very close to the Cleveland Clinic, Little Italy, Tremont, and Ohio City are still great areas.