But don't rush this phase, granted you can pivot, but if you end up with a STR, SMF in town, and STR, SF, MF out of town you will spend more time keeping tracking of each one that is not similar to the other and have some rougher systems.

I will soon establish an LLC and open a business account to track income and expenses through that, but in the meantime I'm unsure of how to properly track expenses for the rehab.

As for tracking, I use Stessa.

I got off track and spent the last 5yrs running a small construction company.

Not a bad track record but you never know what’s in the future.

Howdy Jeff - You've already received good feedback from the others that have responded, but I would also suggest tracking down a realtor that knows the STR market in that area.

You are on the right track with the zips you are looking at.  

You can contact the city or county to find out where the keep a list or keep track of probate filings.

I would still hold off on recommending the current company until I have a longer track record with them.

Regardless which ever way you go good luck and know you are on the right track real estate cash flow investing is the way to go.