Anything on the market, especially for single-family homes, you are in competition with other investors and owner-occupants. 

My general assessments (this year) so far are, most HOAs are not rental investor friendly or have too many restrictions, costs etc. - way too may issues renting, updates, policies, rules, repairs etc.

Otherwise it's gonna be a costly HOA fee increase for us owners.Thanks!

Areas with lower sales volume and inventory are often highly desirable but provide few potential opportunities for flips and have a ton of competition.

You get grandfathered into the codes that were in place at the time, you get the old setbacks, you don't pay an architect, engineer, city and permit fees, plan check costs, school fees and other costs that will not come with an existing house.Not saying that you can't build new for less than a remodel, but not usually when you add in all the costs above. 

In regards to the U, I don't think it's hurting by any means and seems the most stable out of it's local competition.

They have costs to do deals with them.  

Airbnb costs what is costs and it protects both parties.

I paid for a cost seg study on my only str property.

Bridge loan rates have ranged from 8-12% depending on market conditions and the cost of capital.