(which I like) so I would like someone with local experience rather than be the farthest flung property for a city-focused PM (if they'd even do it) and potentially become neglected or incur higher costs because of distance and/or unfamiliarity.A little help?

.- you or your spouse can qualify as RE professional and the limits the OP discussed do not apply- you can use the “STR loophole” (terrible name) to not have the limits the OP Discussed apply  - a derivative of the STR loophole that for lack of better name I will call the MTR loophole will let you provide amenities to not have the limit the OP discussed apply.I suspect there are many more.  

Looking for an answer hear won't be very reliable unless you get someone local and very familiar with your exact area and has done what you're looking to do very recently.  

Also, no offense Account Closed but nobody should be taking advice from someone who charges for services who doesn't disclose their full name/identity on these forums. 

The personal mortgage will still be in your name regardless of any seller financing to an LLC or title change to an LLC.  

My Dad, uncles, cousins, you name it and my family did it.

This includes working with a knowledgeable agent familiar with your investment area, finding trustworthy local contractors for your projects, securing responsive insurance agents, partnering with investor-friendly title companies, and connecting with lenders offering suitable financing for your strategy.With your goals set and team in place, you should feel more confident in your approach.

For cabinets, I have a local cabinet shop I can send you.

Greetings,I'm a local Broker with a vision of building generational wealth for my Clients.

If you’re thinking about jumping into the Clearwater market with an STR angle, you’ll really want to dig into those local laws to make sure you're all clear.