What else is everyone drooling over that might not be as sexy, but has been crucial to their success?  

They can be SO SEXY

Performance - You'll see many celebrity groups buying class-A apartment complexes or new developments because it's flashy, sexy, and elevates their personal brand.

I would like to recommend a book to you that is from Bigger Pockets. www.biggerpockets.com/teenIt is specifically for teens who are exactly where you are right now - the beginning.

Although STR can seem sexy and the potential to make more than a long term rental, you also have to consider the start up costs...furnishing, linens, plateware, small appliances, washer/dryer, baby gear, decor, pictures, curtains, televisions, games, routers, professional photos etc etc.Hope this helps a bit, not trying to talk you out of it, just food for thought.

We have kids with severe handicaps, mental illness, terminal illness, etc. some of our teens have died. 

Genuine, real honest sweet, and OMGAAAHHHHH are we (well me) sexy!!!!

However what I often find is that the capital would be better deployed elsewhere.Often times the unsexy vehicles of investing (midwest duplexes) will cashflow and appreciate far better then the sexy ones (LA beach house).With the cashflow from a midwest duplex, you could afford to stay in an even nicer beach house in San Diego each year.

GAdamn this guy is sexy!

It's not as sexy as creating a 4th unit, but depending on the area and price per square foot as well as rents, adding an extra 2 beds and 1 bathroom can create a ton of value in your property and significantly increase your cash flows.