This is an owner operated venture.

And boom you buy a lot for the price of a single lot and with some simple forms to the city you get to re establish the old lots..

Been getting nowhere with zoning laws found online and in the local library for Yonkers (in westchester county) as to whether any permits are needed in order to operate such a business. 

This will give you an idea of traveler's budgets and what's in demand in your area.As far as design and photo recs, connect with those in your market to get referrals from other MTR (and STR) operators.

Operators tell me that the objection to the costs are from the children of the elder who don’t want mom to spend down her savings, fearing that she will run out of money and that there will not be any left to pass down to the kids.

But we are testing this now.We operate 7 str's out of state...

Sometimes even 7 or 8% lenders are had to find for 3 or 5 years much less for 15 or 30 years. exactlybut im sure its possible because people are doing it Possible yes, but there are a lot of complexities and moving pieces - this is generally the lending business model, not a simple "arbitrage" glitch or easy scheme..

At its core property management is simple though.

As for strategies, do you have any other skill set that you can bring to an experienced operator?

I've been in this situation a billion times- honestly, the answer is very simple.