I am considering starting with Staten Island and Long Island, as they seem to have relatively lower barriers to entry in terms of pricing.

Some areas may have rent control ordinances that restrict how much landlords can increase rent and how often they can do so.Review the lease agreement: The terms of the lease agreement signed by the landlord and tenant usually outline the conditions for rent increases.

"Off Market" is just a made up marketing term. 

We are thinking of getting a cost seg study for an SFR that's a short term rental.

IRS audits and penalties: Studies that are poorly conducted may be full of unsubstantiated assumptions and errors that can lead to expensive audits and large financial penalties from the IRS.Long-term issues: Dealing with IRS audits and having to correct inaccurate studies can be a drawn-out, stressful and expensive process.

If you have a long term 10 plus year outlook, wouldn’t loan paydown still be a positive for keeping the rental?

How is the market currently in Plano and what is potential upside in the next few years in terms of property value?

You would get significantly better terms.  

The size of the unit was perfect for Airbnb or travel nurse mid-term rental.

I usually paint after a long term tenant just because it