You make another good point by mentioning house hacking for 3 years, but in reference to my first comments, wouldn't I need a reliable source of income to prove to the bank that I'm able to pay the mortgage first?

It’s going to come down to risk/reward just like any other investment.. the safer bet neighborhoods, houses and tenants will usually deliver lower cash flow numbers but can provide you with strong, reliable tenants who might take better care of your property and have steadier and morereliable jobs and life situations.

@Ben Hudman I'm looking to find trustworthy and reliable contractors.

By far the #1 priority and need for those that run STR's is a quality cleaning service that is reliable. 

I think you’ll find that some of them (like us) want to outsource lot infill to a reliable third party.  

I've been a little hesitant because of that do you go through a reliable PM or do you list it with an agent etc... can you give a little insite on that. thanks....

I want reliability, accountability, maybe some skin in the game (cost and time), and/or an annual retreat. 

Do you know if reliable companies in those areas who run STRs?

Service providers are less reliable and more expensive in the mountainsDon't ask anyone to do work for you during Elk season!

How does everyone following here feel about AirDNA as a reliable source of data for their STRs?