We bought as a second home so didn't really go into it with the right objectiveness for buying a STR, but only had a few months cash flow positive while we owned it.I think if your focus is STR, looking between Summit and downtown would have better year round appeal to renters.

An example from this past Monday, February 8th:Folsom18 new Active listings13 new Pending listings - 11 had multiple offers8 new Sold listings 31 total Active listings - 6 more than the previous MondayEl Dorado Hills22 new Active listings20 new Pending listings - 13 had multiple offers7 new Sold listings 65 total Active listings - 3 more than the previous MondayFor reference, these numbers are less than half the inventory that there was weekly in Q3 of 2020When people discuss Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and Elk Grove I like to bring in census data so that the discussion can move from largely subjective to objective.

@Christopher Boon In an effort to deliver free and objective info regarding real estate tax and legal topics, recently launched an education portal.

If price is an object, I would consider something like househacking a small multi-family property for your first investment; understanding that may change your lifestyle and you may not want to sign up for that. 

One highly effective approach to achieving these objectives is by engaging the services of an experienced property manager.

What  is your objective?

The process of closing (i.e. inspections, inspection objection, disclosures, etc.).

In my case cash flow with moderate appreciation is the objective.

You will also see some common themes: -Decor that is appropriate to the theme of the area -Mix of nice wall hangings and hard objects without being cluttered (again- place appropriate; don't hang an anchor and ship wheel in a mountain cabin)-Items that provide a "Pop" of color in photos; can be throw pillows, bed skirts, tile backsplash, bar stools, back side of front door etc-Some coordination of color scheme throughout.

By all means do research on companies, but ask more objective questions with less slanderous innuendo.