Real Estate Rookie did a podcast about this subject... it's from May 20 (featuring J Scott) but I'm listening to it now and it's still relevant. 

We design and build STR’s based on data we’ve gleaned regarding design features over time.

New kitchen, new bathroom, and new floors is really all you can and/ or would want to do, and it may not even be worth it when changing to a rental, location is your most valuable feature there.

I was thinking DC or other parts of Maryland like Takoma MD but the crime in Baltimore has me worried about zero appreciation and this property high purchase price plus luxury features.

It's APY is 1.00% and it also has the Round Ups feature, where it rounds up a purchase and places it in your savings account.

As for the ARV, I used redfin as it provides some nice features to help one select down properties based upon similarity, size, location, and many other options.

@Zach WesterfieldThe report features in QuickBooks are pretty great.

We have some great features such as University and Colleges, Pueblo Reservoir, Arkansas River Walk, Sangre De Cristo Arts Center, mountain views, agricultural strength, and an economical environment with unemployment less than the national average.

Moving forward, note that many MLS maps do have a flood map feature, or you can find it online, where you can see for yourself first if the structure lies within it or not. 

I like all of the features of the growth package that Buildium has, but it's kind of pricey.