The second step is to do a safety check.

As for location, PA has some decent markets, but I’d definitely recommend checking out Columbus, Ohio.

Let’s be real — everyone loves to flex how many deals they’ve done.You see the screenshots, the big checks, the “closed another one!”

I often edify appraisals - as a check and balance on parties: buyer, sellers and both representatives need to somewhat agree on valuation and the appraisal protects the lender and buyer as an independent third-party opinion.

I've seen multiple posts about how saturated Joshua Tree is so check that area carefully before buying anything there.

For rents, use the income approach: verify with two PMs, cross‑check Rentometer/Zillow but discount for aspirational pricing, and weight unit layout and parking over raw sqft when comps are sparse .

Definitely check out Meet Up and see if there are any events locally.

Check out recent past forums.

Also worth double-checking the zoning since not every beach-close neighborhood actually allows short-term rentals.You also nailed it when you said it can change block by block.

I'm connected with several wholesalers, checking Investor Lift and Zillow regularly without any luck.