These are the "Why" I am interested in investing.I could also pursue a place in Toms River New Jersey, by Seaside Heights which is a popular summer location by the beach where I was born and raised and also have roots.Finally, I could think about pursuing Greenville, North Carolina where my Wife has roots, or Naples Florida where my parents currently live and are developing incredible friendships I could use to my advantage.Does anyone have knowledge about investing in any of these locations, would anyone be interested in getting to know and working with me to purchase my first property in one of these locations, which could be mutually beneficial.

It’s not a lot of money and this might not be popular, but iBonds are paying pretty nice returns right now.

Obviously if you buy at the right price it would be, but it seemed like all of the condos over there were way overvalued (as is the case in a lot of places, like you mentioned), and the average nightly rate isn't as high as some of the more popular beach vacation areas. 

My other colleague had rent relief programs that paid their rent for 2 years during the pandemic so they are good, but the landlord let them know rent will be $1500/month soon for 2 bed 1 bath on westhiemer (popular street in Houston), so im wondering is it best to just buy a house then? 

Of course, you can use the BRRR method - always a popular topic on BP.If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.Don

Purchase price: $242,000 Cash invested: $8,470 Recently-renovated duplex in a popular Pittsburgh neighborhood.

Especially now that Airbnb has gotten so popular with more active rentals entering the market every single month.

Their response can be “we will fix none of the items, we will fix these particular items or we will fix all of the items.”Most popular these days is a credit in lieu of repairs.

But... what I would suggest is doing some research on similar properties that are NOT for sale and are successful/popular STRs and seeing what they are currently bringing in annual rent.

We live about 3 hrs NE in IL, and know STL to be a very popular destination for families, Cardinal fans, etc.