I can see the advantage to finding distressed multis and fixing them up yourself.

Being my first home and not knowing much about investment one thing i did learn was to be more aware of how the condition of the units were and using that to my advantage to negotiate for a low price range

This is somewhat similar to a fast for restaurant; if Mcdonalds didn't enforce minimum standards of cleanliness and operations, a few badly run franchises would end up lowering sales volume across the chain.The issue seems to be when STR operators feel that AirBnB has unjustly taken the side of the renter when the operator has perceived that he has done everything correctly and the renter is just taking advantage of a situation, such as he really wants to cancel a reservation past the cancellation period and so uses an excuse to get a refund.  

Anyways, I'm wondering what peoples thoughts are on the best way to take advantage of market conditions during these tumultuous times, from scratch.

I think your funds could be better utilized on picking up lists of properties that are about to turn, and acquiring some of the apps that are most advantageous to vacant/distressed homes.

Two weeks ago I decided to invest some money in the stock market to take advantage of the plummeting prices.

I put down 30% on the property so after a year I want cash out taking advantage of the low interest rates.Thank you Guifre!

However, in some cases there is not a need but a desire to take advantage of the situation and keep as much of the rent as possible.  

It will be a deflationary environment for real estate, especially for commercial real estate that was hit hard by COVID-19 like hotels, retail centers, amusement parks, event centers, etc.On my Website/Linkedin, I will be posting a very deep explanation of why the United States will be in a deflationary recession and how to take advantage as a real estate investor.

I think there will always be people who take advantage of a situation.