Therefore, I'm exploring the idea of investing in a long-distance STR.I'm aiming for a Cash on Cash return of 25%, but after researching a few markets, I'm finding it difficult to achieve this target.

I had improved the property and pushed the rents to the limit, and now was moving on to other projects.2.

Of course if you choose to go down this road be sure to choose a company that will be there to bounce investment ideas off of to insure they're compliant. 

If you're new to REI it's more more about limiting mistakes vs. maximizing the numbers.

Create a community about how you will change their life or lifestyle.As someone once told me:in absence of a product, an idea will usually be sold; when the idea is lacking, a lifestyle is pushed.

Is this a bad idea?

I would also give this podcast a listen to give you some ideas from somebody who was in your shoes 10 years ago.Financial Freedom in 10 Years and $200K Cash Flow (biggerpockets.com)

Real estate has historically been a long term play.this idea that someone who otherwise never cared about real estate, can simply dial up a realtor and buy instant 4 digit monthly cashlfow is something born out of YouTube.

Here is 3 scenarios: conservatively projected low/medium/ and scenario 3 is actual recent net returns  (unlikely repeatable right now) I'm looking for alternative ideas to deploy $150-200k down payment on a much larger investment than a 1br house, so I can play the appreciation game as well as the income game.

In PA the requirement for Adverse Possession is 21 years so if you buy at Tax Sale and hold for 21 years in PA, you can then claim Adverse Possession and the statute of limitations for appealing the Tax Sale has expired.