I have a bunch of investors in west coast who have been successful investing outside their region.

For example, I looked up for on person that one of those states in that "Ohio valley region," they take a percentage of the considered market value as the assessed value depending on roperty type. 

I live in a small farming town about an hour from the regional city.

I grew up in Tewksbury and am very familiar with the Merrimack Valley region, & have a househack in Leominster and am familiar with some of the markets in Worcester county as well.

That’s not red, blue, or purple, just the reality of more investors/listings in the mix than we had 3-4 years ago.Quote from @Bruce Woodruff: Quote from @Cliff H.: And looking 5 years out I fully question whether STRs will continue to show greater returns that MTR/LTR rentals, particularly those rentals already focused on niche markets for better returns. 

I iive in the City and work the region for investors. 

St. louis, MO and the Midwest region continue to be recognized nationally and locally as top areas to start a new business.

That eliminates any kind of zoning/ STR permit requirement, making the whole thing easier to accomplish, and opening up the entire region to you!

Was this SLC proper or any of the surrounding regions? 

The property size/type and the geographic region that you're looking for deals in will definitely limit your deal flow.