Doing this will open your eyes to how people waste space in real estate today.  

I'd suggest you ask as many questions as you can, there are a ton of people on here who are knowledgeable in many subjects. 

Many people just transfer the deed and NOT notify the lender.

Some people need 2% above the borrowing cost (8% cost of hELOC you gotta then make 10% + etc) and others will want to double their cost of capital or 200% so it depends.Everyone's going to give you their anecdotal experience or what their preferences are so its good to hear it all and determine your own.

There's a standard syndication that goes out to sites like Zillow, Redfin etc that is included when it is listed in the MLS; hence why people can find properties from across the country. 

Thanks Andrew Yes we are in ACNJ most of our properties are in AC but do have a handful in Ventnor and other shore towns. 

I am looking forward to connecting with people in the area and sharing wisdom along the way!

For a vacation rental, I could see people thinking they look dirty / streaky. 

Social engineering is everywhere, and some people are really good at making you believe what they want you to believe.

@Jason Sinclair, having a designer for a wife, I would answer that it really depends heavily on each house, the flow and usability of the spaces as they are, and the overall use of space in the house as a whole.That being said, while there may be a small shift towards more separated spaces, "open concept" is by no means dead, and in many markets, most people seem to still want to have connectivity between their communal spaces.In fact, my wife's current flip is a split level (although technically it is a split-foyer), and she is taking out a structural wall to connect the kitchen, dining and living areas.