Our goal is to have a short term rental business and build it over the next several years.

My 4 personal STR's are all in San Antonio did over $575k in 2024 and on track for $650k in 2025.I think you are generally looking in the right areas, but there are a few things to keep in mind:1) Stay inside of 1604. 

Me and my wife have decided to sell our first duplex deal after 4 years of holding it we have built over 250k of equity wow ! 

Times are changing somewhat though, so maybe over time if they are not supportive now, they will be at some point in the future. 

There is another house about two blocks over that I have the opportunity to buy off market under market value.

With over 25 years in the field, I'm still learning.

Non-passive to achieve this level of return.Add the addition of the ADU makes the main unit rent controlled if over 15 years old.the work to add an ADU likely exceeds the effort of a brrrr that can achieve infinite return  Experienced investors are adding multiple ADUs by leveraging items like bonus density, committing units to affordable housing, etc.  

The population continues to rise, increasing the demand for housing.

I understand this is a good way to become financially secure over time and am eager to start.  

I've used to it myself to analyze all of the 35 units I bought over the last few years and personally talked to 100's of other investors who've analyzed and closed on great deals using it.I'd love for you to actually try it and would be happy to receive and incorporate any feedback you have into future releases.