@Joseph M.Yes of course,My hard money lender for my earnest money deposit passed away from cancer last night.

STR, long term rental?

Is it a good market for long term rentals?

A rental is a long term play. 

Rubber, torch down roofing, is a tried and true method that lasts more that 20-25yrs if properly maintained.  

It doesn't take long to learn how to spot a good deal.6.

. - the best market is one that has properties you want to hold long term.  

If you are selling to the group that has their own cash, it's a long wait.

Don't get into a long drawn out - knock down & move the walls type of project as a newbie.  

In the near term appreciation is not guaranteed, but over a long hold it has been a virtual guarantee as it has occurred for every 12 year period going back to start of price records and the 12 year was the Great Recession. - equity pay down is significant on expensive property.So if using 50% expense ratio, if you are less negative than market rent, you are likely doing better than most local RE investors.