We own several properties in the town next to Tilton, Laconia NH.

I would look at the nefar data and see what is selling for what around town. 

for a small Ga Town! 

Som people say short-term rentals require more of your time, but you get better cashflow, and are a little riskier because towns can bring down STR regulations that will impact you.  

Assuming similar dynamics to all beach towns, you will make all your money in the summer season.  

The home is a little outside of a large central illinois college town and has alot of future housing development opportunities around it in addition to being butted up against historic route 66. 

I would consider any large college town such as Tallahassee or somewhere a lot bigger bc for student housing you can rent it by the room which will skyrocket your revenue.

I have started my searches in the neighboring towns of the post itself and I've been having a VERY tough time finding a single multi-family rental in either location.

Go through the tax local tax records and call / mail owners of multifamilies you've seen around town but aren't on the market.  

In July 2020,I bought a condo in a university town that's rented by students.