According to the inspector, it wasn't the best option, but a viable one. 

I agree that the STR model is not really an investment as it is a business. 

I am inexperienced and appreciate all the advise availeable and all that is to come.I am also curious about crowdfunding my downpayment as a way of getting started, does this seem viable?

You can also look into the availability of short-term nurse rentals in both cities to see if this could be a viable option for you.

Currently in research mode... 

{They probably won't find a cheaper or as desirable place}It's hard, but your business can't run properly if you have to sacrifice your boundaries and rates because someone else's business model is suffering.

Also, as always, I must recommend a dark mode, please.

Sec8 is also viable but I also stepped away from that a time ago because I simply can.

Researching and connecting with University of Alabama students or alumni could also be a viable option.

This was really a test of the market to confirm that Airbnb was going to be viable in the market.