I would consider converting it to regular unfurnished LTR, but we already have the furniture, etc.Make sure 1) you know the STR sentiment of the public and the politicians 2) have an exit plan if anti STR regulations are passed.  

But as we know, there is a big difference between information attained from reading vs.real life experience! 

One of the weird things about Pgh's and Cleveland's climate is that grass growth is simply not as EVEN or REGULAR as it is anywhere else I've lived.

Note, for long term cap gains, the gain gets added to your regular income for the purpose of determine the cap gains tax rate…..0, 15, or 20%. 

Is this a regular cadence?  

We had no experience investing in real estate, so we wanted to invest in something that didn't require as much of our time and while we spend most of out times at our regular jobs.

Change the water filters regularly.

SFHs in $170,000s to low $300,000s is much more attainable in my situation.

Do you think it can be a huge risk vs just having a regular rental investment property? 

Also, my goal is really to "retire" from my regular job around 5-7 years from now, are short term rentals a good area of focus or should I be looking elsewhere?