The Gulf is never leaving our island so we will always have strong STR numbers.

Strongly suggesting you start right now, regardless of which post you stationing at.

Rents have to be strong (1%+), great location to major travel routes, great amenities, great schools.

I am seeking a small group of folks that can do the same and add to skills and resources I don't possess or am not strong at, and take some of the load off/ shift some of theirs.

(Forbes)Lower business & lifestyle costs than others.Amazingly affordable real estate for investment.Single-family, duplexes, fourplexes.3-year appreciation forecast of 9.1%.Around 45% of the residents are renters.The growing fuels the rental demand.San Antonio is also known for its low cost of living.Closed sales increased by 14 percent year-over-year.Compared to June 2019, San Antonio's average price of a home increased by 3%.Year-to-date, the average price has shown an increase of 5% to $278,395.In a year-to-date, year-over-year comparison, Bexar County faired well compared to Travis (-10.7%) Harris (-4.9%) and Dallas County (-6.8%.)Each of these counties indicates a decrease while Bexar county shows a promising a 3.4% increase.As predicted, June has shown to be a strong buying season.

However, I also agree with Dan, that, Savannah is similar area to his, in that we have a strong short-term rental market here in the downtown areas.

@Kiet Tran if they are both strong rentals, why not both at the same time with the same lender? 

Is there another way for the PML to be more secure than a 2nd position, as in...can you form an LLC or privacy trust you and your PML own together so we're on the deed together?

I would strongly consider self managing using the tools that Vrbo and Airbnb provide.Drop all this in a spreadsheet and see what the net profit could look like with a best and worst cast scenario.

BP is full of great content, so I strongly recommend you to have a look at the following resources: 1.