The hierarchy of research is primary "on foot", like checking...

The hierarchy of research is primary "on foot", like checking offices finding they don't exist, interviewing formers, using the product finding it fragmented and with interfaces to other platforms, finding they have no patents or "secret sauce".

Secondary would be financial statements. Digging through these you may see interest doesn't match claimed cash balances and other red flags.

Finally the worst kind of research is reading other people's.

You are not researching anything. Reading a shortseller or reading management statements.

As to shorts being short term, that simply isn't true. Many like myself are dyed in the wool Graham & Dodd school investors with a 3-5 year investing horizon.
They are needed and should be praised for bringing balance, combatting popular delusions and saving people money. Appreciate you know the numbers and the margins aren't THAT implausible - a little on the high side.

Tell us about the product and the business, like an owner; an employee or a customer knows it.
Why the so-called "professionals" in the industry don't do this is beyond me.
They are truly up to f* all.