Found out that everything the way it has played out and the details I have dug up on the tenant this is part of a an elaborate scam and includes a circle of people involved.

Two factors at play here.1) STRs generally appraise as residential homes, not as businesses based on multiples. 

And that was my understanding (the basics, at least :-)...Given that, the scenario that Bob presented in Deal 3 above seems unlikely to play out legally...

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

Having good schools played huge part in the properties we purchased.  

Maybe play dumb a little "I don't know if I'm in the right place..."

Factors like real estate trends, property taxes, and competition also play a role.

To me, the best play out there right now is to go with the smaller cabins. 

Mark my words though the 2020-decade will be as transformational, transitional, and pivotal as the 1940s.Bottom line--appreciation is where the money is made, consider cash flow a defensive play and way end of the chain of the reasons to invest in physical RE.

I have seen that play out as well.