I’ve closed loans while family vacationing in Taiwan.

We do this in our beach house vacation rental and guests love it.

But I would love to start and eventually have some STRs out of state that generate a more passive income, vacation home, and maybe retire in it one day. 

Partly for retention and partly for being ethical and not trying to squeeze absolutely every dollar I can out of good people.If you raise the rent 2% and the tenant vacates the unit over the increase you will lose more than that on the vacancy before you find another tenant.

There are different degrees of being non-compliant, some things you may get your hand slapped, but others will send you on a long vacation.

Just like everyone said it's very common practice for the owner/tenant to vacate for showings.

This is essentially the formula everyone is using now in the apartment space, and I think for your B and C class rentals this is perfect. https://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMASTER-Khaki-Oak-6-in-x-36-in-Luxury-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring-24-sq-ft-case-185312/206934038

I bought them with partners and we rent them out as small luxury private resorts.

As for location, I'd recommend focusing on a city/market where you either 1) currently or have previously lived, 2) have family/friends that live there, or 3) travel to for work or vacation frequently.

Has anyone invested with Home Team Vacation Rentals in the past?