Some of the listings on AirBNB, VRBO or similar could be using the 30 night minimum to be considered a MTR allowing you to bypass some of the STR regulations.

If you are 500 miles away you are almost certainly breaking the local STR regulations which they selectively enforce but are starting to enforce more.

A contract for deed THEORETICALLY works differently, in that since the warranty deed is NOT recorded there’s no need for formal foreclosure - but in the last 20 years various states have passed laws and or regulations providing contract buyers with greater protections that may necessitate foreclosure or “foreclosure like” proceeding in order to gain “ownership”.  

Verify regulations, taxes, and insurance by submarket, and pressure‑test numbers with a PM before offers.

Even if rates fall, it will still be very hard for many working class Americans to afford homes. 70 years ago there was less permitting required, less litigation risk/builder insurance required and way less labor regulations resulting in cheaper builds. 

When comparing markets, most investors focus on a few core metrics: rent-to-price ratio (aim for 0.8–1%+), job/population growth, landlord-friendly laws, and overall affordability.Texas and North Carolina tend to offer strong growth and relatively landlord-friendly regulations.

Since then, I’ve learned that California has some stricter regulations, especially around 30+ day rentals.

Syndications offer long-term equity plays but come with SEC regulations and management complexity.2.

Most communities there have a HOA, and you have to be careful to work within their regulations.

This type of financing is not regulated so it's really up to how the private money lender will structure the extensions.