@Jeremy Mack, you can always go online and check the local bar association there.

Also the places I have seen flourishing are in medium size cities that millennials can walk to bars and restaurants.

Also I lived in Oregon my entire life and it's gone downhill big time, way to many "keep Portland weird" people and the bum scene is ridiculous, not to mention the traffic. 

I'm new to the STR scene with a recent purchase in Colorado.

And because I usually have a mob scene at my open houses, most would feel their chances are not great due to the number of applicants.My dad, being an absentee landlord, was too accommodating, got into trouble with the neighbors and the city housing department.

What techniques do you suggest to start breaking into this scene and start finding properties?

@Steve Vaughan  although to be fair and balanced on the guru scene..

Remodel kitchen completely w/breakfast bar, white pearl cabinets, rubbed bronze hardware, granite, stainless steel appliances, recessed and pendant lights. 2.

Get a job in a bar/restaurant where youngens go.

Bank could be a side bar at the closing if there was concern about funds.