Best bet would be to talk to some local commercial real estate brokers that specialize in retail and office leasing.They will be the ones in the know.That being said I like urgent care, medical, dental, eye dr, chiropractor etc they always make good long term retail/office flex tenants.

I've had my eyes set on a few neighborhoods in Southeast (across the river) as that seems to be where the path of gentrification is headed.

I had my eye on a forclosed home that was bank owned (not sure what bank) but anyways I kept a eye on it for a few months while I was preparing everything to get pre approved and have a easy hassle free loan process.

I'm in Rockville but have been eyeing Baltimore area for a while since home prices in DC are outrageous

I have just sent you the link to the entire listing info including the lot info that perhaps your expert eyes could tell where the water flows.

My eyes are open to the whole market down in the Tampa Bay area. 

I understand local to be a good place to start since you can keep and eye on the property and can act quicker if something were to go wrong, but am also aware that it limits the search for good buys to just one area.

There's just far too many variables that can flat out, be deal killers.I'd still always reccomend the "eyes on" approach.

Decide which entry you want to look the snazziest and use full tiles wherever the eye can see.

But I do think having something eye catching pays larger dividends in STRs where you need to grab attention mid scroll on Airbnb.