These areas are more stable, but you would have to put effort into finding below market deals.

I'm particularly passionate about off market deals and adding short term rentals to our portfolio. 

So, my question here is, what has been the best way to enter the market?

A lot of the online calculators will automatically input 5% for both capex and maintenance and then you can usually edit it if you use a different number.

Honestly, get on-line and read, buy a book, or talk to a knowledgeable person and you will be further ahead.  

When looking in markets where the prices of homes sold is private and not provided , how are you running your comps?  

Hire someone cheap and you'll suffer for it.If you are "breaking even" after all expenses and maintenance, then you probably can't afford to pay a professional to handle the marketing and screening.

You can also check their reviews online at Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

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@Michael Snider-Held we hear stories like this all the time in the LTR market about the national companies.These companies are setup to make money, period, with little oversight from management.So, owners need to make sure they read management contracts and UNDERSTAND what is covered and not covered.