We had a tenant recently who wanted to be paid back per diem the remaining days of the month that they paid for and it was too "nitty gritty" for me since we don't rent anyway "per day" and it felt like they were trying to get every last bit of $$ out of us at the end so not a nice feeling.

Your MOST important job in landlording.  

In WA you can get new construction, but that is far away that I don't expect Seattle/Bellevue tech workers to live there.My boss suggested Pittsburgh (emerging tech hub), my coworker is based out of Atlanta which seems to still have affordable houses and seems to have lots of tech jobs. 

If your day job isn't real estate-related, is it possible for you to make a career change?

It's become more popular but if the place is priced well, nice/unique it's get bookings. 

Take a look at Reno, it's is a solid area for rentals because of the limited new construction, tech and manufacturing jobs moving to the area (Tesla, Apple, Switch etc.) along with the lithium loop of mining and recycling to manufacturing batteries and vehicles.  

I've seen a few that look super nice but they are upwards of $1800+.

Interest rates are so high rate now however i found a great deal that works so I'm happyGreat job Bryan!

If so I see, 40- 50kish  to make it nice, Baths, kitchen, flooring, paint, 3052 Braeloch Cir E, Clearwater, FL 33761 | MLS #W7861799 | Zillow

Could be a nice AirBNB studio with income potential up to $1500/mo by itself.