However, as I am currently locked into an apartment lease for the next year, I might look to buy and rent out.Looking to local investors for their preferences and thoughts!

Preferably someone you can vouch for by personal use, not just a friend!

A drive-to vacation, where the biggest expense is the STR rental, is going to be preferred by many.  

Example - the master bedroom technically does not have a door on it right now because the master is the entire addition on the house and feedback we've got is that people actually prefer it off they like the look and openness more.

It's also true that people who want to have some rest in Florida will surely ask for the pool.It is sure that they will prefer house with pool, but when there are no one they need maintenance.

Time is changing fast and number of people now prefer to shop from malls and big stores .

An associate of mine was using Buildium for a couple of years and she had an accounting mess but I think it had more to do with her than the software, I switched her over to Appfolio and now do backoffice work for her and she's happy.But like Nathan said, take advantage of the free trials, pick one and run with it, they are all good it just comes down to personal preference in a lot of

Focus on markets with decent cap rates, landlord-friendly laws, high population growth, high job growth...and preferably low taxes:)

I did notice many buyers prefer a home with land so that is a great point!

Would prefer to do cross collaterilization with a free and clear property I own to decrease out of pocket upfront expenses.