I think the outskirts are you best bets!

To avoid partnership issues, 50/50 is likely your best bet.

She's an agent that works in that area and does a ton of work with out-of-state investors.I think NW Indiana is a great bet, it provides solid cash flow and continues to have Chicagoans flood that way to avoid taxes. 

i think the gift basket may be more beneficial to real estate agents to get referrals and possibly to get new tenants. i bet that was nice, i wouldn't forget that either!

Your best bet is when you renew the lease to add in a clause regarding plumbing repairs related to negligence of the tenant.

You bet.

And yet I would bet that any property that's not brand new or fairly new, will have some items that could fall into this category.

So starting with an agent probably won't work.Your best bet is to start networking, going to meetups, etc.  

Its just very rare that this happens and this is mainly paranoia getting into peoples brain that they would need some sort of protection because of some high profile cases that have gone around the internet. 

Remember your costs will be more for an STR, you'll be paying for a lot of things you wouldn't with an LTR - higher STR insurance, all utilities including internet, supplies like toilet paper, paper towels, dishwasher detergent etc, upkeep on furniture and linens if damaged, yard maintenance and grass cutting/snow removal, trash removal, etc.