We usually prefer hotels over STRs just because of the service but this trip is changing my mind a bit and it might be hard to give up the space in the future especially traveling with the kiddos. 

The Airbnb j stayed in was a big mansion but again, it took 30 minute round trips just to buy groceries.

Most likely the state where the property is located is where lawsuits would be brought if they are something for personal injury like a trip and fall or something of that nature because the “cause of action” arose in that state.

we've done family trips to Orlando and Disney. each time, we only chose a house with a pool. if given the option between a house with and a house without when you were going on vacation, which would you choose?

If you do something with less work required, you wouldn't need any help from your friends/family out there, but you'd still be able to write-off trips to go there and visit them since you could go check on your property while you're there.

Ok so I will say Mark has some really good points, however I am a Midwest girl investing in the Midwest because it is familiar and drivable and we took family trips there when I was growing up. 

For what it´s worth, I would always rather rent like normal but earmark that revenue for a trip of my own where I can pick whatever place I like. 

Once you have those in place, get your pre-approval, plan a trip to where you want to buy, meet with your team, and jump in!

I take 5-6 trips to Wichita visiting family & friends.

With 1 or 2 properties, stuff like this isn’t really an issue. 2 hours trip to the property round trip included to make this repair is no big deal.