If you want to take advantage of the Short-Term Rental Loophole for 2025, then the property must be placed into service in 2025 — meaning it’s available for rent and you actually have paying guests.

I'm in the navy and I'm off from sep 1- oct 20 then I have less than a year before I get out so I'm free pretty much anytime other than the 9-16 as I'm going to Florida to visit my mother.

If you go remote, pick a market you can narrow the gap, maybe know a little because you have lived there once, or at least is easy to visit for you.

That's from executed contract, not including visits, tours, negotiations and holidays.

But because you MUST be intentional.

If there are places you already visit or have some connection to, even if they are more expensive than the Midwest, explore those first.

Note you do not qualify for STR loophole if you use a PM or co-host that does most of the work (your time spent on the STR must exceed all other persons (must be more than any other person)   If you or spouse do not qualify as rep or for the STR loophole, there is no reason to look into bonus depreciation.Good luck  

You yourself must know this from own experience.

If you expect to complete 90% of the process online before willing to visit properties real estate is not the correct investment vehicle for you.

Pick a city you used to live in and know a little, or one you often visit for work or family, or at least is easy to get to so you can visit often and learn the market.