Although this is only a minor annoyance, I'd really prefer not to.

I'd love to hear your success stories, tips for using them effectively, and situations where they may or may not be the best fit.

I'd be happy to talk to you about STRs in general or in my specific market (Emerald and Forgotten Coast, FL). 

Maybe you have already addressed all of these but I'd start with figuring out some of these elements with the STR business before moving on to the next strategy, MTR.- The MTR strategy is great and you have the advantage of listing it with multiple different platforms.  3/2 will attract a certain type of of MTR client, one that travels with families most likley or displaced families, so your pool of applicants may be a little limited- If the long term play is appreciation, than breaking even sounds good.

There is plenty of off market inventory with 2 beds getting $2580 and 3 beds getting $3120.

When it was pouring rain out there, I'd put in a box fan in the window, sit behind it, and blow my smoke out through the fan.

If it isn’t running while the plumbers are there, nothing to smell...I’d have him leave the vent on before going over yourself or sending a plumber.Don’t lose a tenant over the cost of pulling a toilet...

Curious to see what you are looking at as a strategy in California, I’d love to hear more details.

Astute investors will make sure their properties are rented to the right tenants so this is a non-issue for most.Anyway, I'd never invest in long-term rentals in Spain regardless since, as Erwin and I mentioned, there are much better alternatives in your country.Also, if you're going to invest following the population pyramid, you can pretty much forget about Europe, North America, Japan or China and should probably focus on places like India. 

I'd also make sure utilities are in their name.