I have seen so much growth in Columbus when it comes to appreciation and job opportunities which I have experienced.

As you start closing deals, you will need to reinvest your profits into mailing lists and other scalable activities to grow your business.

You might also meet someone that could be a potential business partner.

There is no need to factor in attitude or personality in the business.

Even if you create a non-CA LLC, if you are managing the business from California, you will likely be deemed to be "doing business" in California and therefore likely subject to CA taxes.

In Lake Tahoe many condos are experiencing huge increases in HOA to cover increases in insurance and cap ex and many owners are selling. 

Quote from @Chris Baek: Hello Experienced Real Estate Investors,I am interested in investing in multi-unit buildings in the City of Chicago and wanted to know what you think are the top 3 areas that will see the greatest gentrification/upswing in the next 5-10 years.  

It really helps to clarify in my mind, I had some of the similar doubts but hearing it from someone more experienced solidifies my apprehensions. 

I have some friends who are in the STR business in Flordia I can definitely make an intro.  

You might also meet someone that could be a potential business partner.