I think many share your sentiment on BiggerPockets.

As a result of this negative sentiment and historical lack of affordability, U.S. homebuyer demand is down at the lowest level in decades.

Morgan put recession odds as high as 65%, analysts have shifted their focus from tariff fears to housing sector weakness as the most immediate threat to economic stability.The warning signs are mounting fast:77% of Americans say it's a bad time to buy a home (Fannie Mae, April 2025)Mortgage rates hovering near 7% are crushing demand (old story)Home Purchase Sentiment Index shows a net-55% rating for buying conditionsInflation-adjusted residential investment remains flatCiti Research expects housing activity to contract in Q2 after a sluggish start to the year, with the combination of falling permits, rising inventory, and slipping prices painting a picture of a market running out of steam.

If the fundamentals of NOLA are strong but the sentiment is bad, THAT is a buy signal.New Orleans is losing population.

Marcus this was the exact same sentiment that those of us that Grew up in CA .SF Bay Area or LA San Diego areas.

I understand the sentiment, but the last thing I want is more regulation and more hands in the pot.

Western Australia’s resource-anchored economy remains vulnerable to global commodity shocks that can swiftly shift market sentiment, while an overreliance on outer-ring stock or oversupply in specific growth corridors could elevate liquidity and pricing risks.In a fragmented national housing market, Perth stands out for its blend of yield, affordability, and infrastructure-led upside.

It’s become hard to predict if/when rates will change, if/when buyer sentiment will cool because of world affairs, if/when etc etc.

Specifically, I’m looking to understand:What’s the current demand and overall sentiment in your STR market?

I agree with the overall sentiment here that the OP should take off his shoes if requested.But may I also suggest that this is a cultural thing, and that to someone who isn't used to such a request that the very request may sound inappropriate and like an intrusion- like being asked to take off your shirt.