However, it’s important to price competitively and be prepared for buyers to request concessions.

Cash flow has been compressed for ALL asset types by the increase in interest rates, and there is also increased competition for STRs. 

Also, how competitive is the market for first-time homebuyers and investors right now?

You'll find Cary and Morrisville to be the most desirable and get great appreciation too but also very competitive still, significantly higher in price, and it becomes much harder to make numbers works.

As others have said, price it competitively.

I have   maybe 10 of them but I also built 35 new builds and have one going right now.very competitive market  but aren't they all.

Those hassles of dealing with an inefficient government mean less competition therefore higher returns.

Eighty percent of the "upgrades" were to the guest experience, but at least Airbnb is staying ahead of their competition by doing this.   

Plus, competition on the platform fluctuates, so you always need to stay 1-2 steps ahead while managing your campaigns.

Tenant risk is lease term remaining, sales/billings from the location, overall financial health of the tenant (i.e. solo practitioner with this one center as their sole source of income and declining billings, will not likely keep the property well maintained, and when they move out, you will have work to do), need for this use and/or competitive urgent cares in area, etc.