This extra road frontage now also qualifies my property to be able to be legally converted into a triplex from a duplex.

Others investors drive extra ROI by thing like ability to reposition property for greater profitability and or less risk; ability to rehab property at less cost, ability to identify areas where gentrification is likely to occur, etc. 

It also allows gives you greater flexibility.Plus, once you flip the home and make a few dollars, you should be able to pay the HELOC to a zero balance as well as having extra funds to throw in your war chest.

We will both keep our W2 employment for the near future just looking into getting an extra income or make our retirement easier.

Sounds like for now the idea of eventually selling the branded account is a no-go, but there still remains pros/cons on each option and I'd love to hear what others have considered or their experience in adding more STRs/boutique hotel type properties to their portfolios.

Going direct saves you and the seller money, giving you a lower cost to entry which helps all your numbers, but you have to put in the extra work to find that deal.

They are coming to your property if you allow them or not (you cannot forbid service animals) Consider the facts: https://www.dogster.com/statistics/pet-travel-statistics-tre....Top 12 Pet Travel Statistics78% of American pet owners travel with their pets each year.54% of cat and dog owners plan to travel with their pet.58% of people would prefer to travel with their pet over a friend or family member.52% of travelers base their travel plans on accommodating pets.About 75% of luxury, mid-scale, and economy hotels allow pets.In 2019, a total of 404,556 animals were transported by airline.Nearly 64% of travelers prefer to travel with pets by car.42.9% of people look for a destination with hiking and fresh air for pet travel.Dogs make up 58% of the pets traveling around the world.37% of owners take shorter vacations because of their pets.10% of travelers have hidden their dogs to travel.27% of dog owners go the extra mile for their pets.

Charge extra for an ESA.

If interested in adding another state / city to the list I am happy to connect - but hopefully this is irrelevant and you are already progressing along well with your purchase!!!!  

I have noticed a lot of investors are seeking out cities that are offering lower priced lots and simply adding a Modular or Manufactured and capturing a very nice cash flow.There is a new trend starting in Florida and in other states where an investor buys a piece of land or lot and add a 'Tiny Home".