What is going to make any difference at all this year?  

I will say the abatement if you do it right with a good contractor will be pricy since they have to abide by some different regulations on disposing of it. 

That is a different RAD Diversified.

The construction differences to convert it into a separate unit (vs leaving it as a duplex down) would be beefing up a planned kitchenette and also building a wall to separate the basement, while giving it and the 1st floor access to shared laundry room.To do this, we need to cash out refinance, (something we have to do soon anyway as we are on a 5 year balloon).

Is STR insurance different from home owner insurance?

Everybody is different, some people like flipping, some like short term rentals, some like long term rentals. 

The difference between a 12% return and a 16% return compounded over 20 years will make you sick to your stomach. 

"Getting in" is easy; making money, managing the business, with the increased financial risk of commercial properties is a whole different game. 

Food for thought for me and you : If you where to start all the way from zero in wholesaling, how would you rebuild going back up?

Different pockets of Austin vary drastically so you really have to know the area.