Do the tenants have stable employment?

It's only going to get worse as the disposable income gets tighter and if there is any change to employment.  

Columbus is also home to OSU, which constantly develops real estate, employs lots of jobs, and attracts students from the US and internationally to attend.

Birmingham passed most of the "rule of thumb" criteria recommended (job growth, household income growth) but the downside is population is -18.60% since 2000, and crime is a bit on the higher side (https://www.deptofnumbers.com/employment/metros/). 

I've stayed in properties that offer a small selection of drinks or cheeses from local farms but have never seen it scaled to other aspects of the property.I'm wondering if any STR investors out there employ a similar arrangement?

Even if newer buildings can't price rents as low as yours, they might offer amenities or modern designs that attract potential tenants.Local Economic Factors: Consider local employment rates, major employers relocating, or any changes in the local economy that might impact rental demand.2.

Converting your single-family home into a rental property involves several considerations to protect yourself and ensure smooth operations: Establish an LLC:Liability Protection: Holding the rental property in an LLC can protect your personal assets from potential lawsuits related to the property.Tax Benefits: An LLC can offer tax advantages, such as pass-through taxation, where rental income is taxed at your individual income tax rate.Insurance:Landlord Insurance: Ensures coverage for property damage, liability claims, and loss of rental income.Umbrella Policy: Provides additional liability coverage beyond your landlord insurance, offering extra protection.Deductions:Mortgage Interest and Property Taxes: Continue to deduct these expenses.Depreciation: Depreciate the cost of the property over 27.5 years, excluding the land value.Maintenance and Repairs: Deduct costs related to maintaining the property.Property Management Fees: Deduct fees paid to the property manager.Filing Taxes:Schedule E: Report rental income and expenses on Schedule E of your tax return.Separate Accounts: Maintain separate bank accounts for rental income and expenses to simplify bookkeeping.Lease Agreement:Solid Lease Terms: Ensure your lease agreement is thorough, covering rent amount, due date, late fees, maintenance responsibilities, and eviction terms.Legal Review: Have the lease agreement reviewed by a real estate attorney to ensure compliance with local laws.Tenant Screening:Background Checks: Perform credit, criminal, and eviction history checks on prospective tenants.References: Contact previous landlords and employers for references.Property Management:Regular Inspections: Schedule regular property inspections to ensure it's being maintained properly.Maintenance Fund: Set aside a reserve fund for unexpected repairs and maintenance.Moving Out of State:Communication: Maintain open communication with your property manager.

I would employ a property management company that can handle this for you, like the one I work for as an agent.

The company's legal counsel has said a guarantor is not needed, citing the company's annual revenue and an employee, effectively, being unwilling to cut a check on behalf of their employer.

You might also be able to employ a short term rental strategy to increase cashflow-- sporting events, conferences, homecomings, graduation, etc. always attract people to the area.Ask around and try to find people who are investing in Amherst/Northampton and connect with agents in the area to see what's working.