Off grid sounds cool to some, but it really limits your potential guest pool.

@Guifre Morai am searching for a HELOC or refi so I have some capital to take advantage of any future deals, sounds like HELOCs have been frozen, anyone have any info.

From then I knew real estate investing would be in my future.

The numbers definitely work if the rehab stays within $100K–$115K and the timeline is 6 months, but with a full gut reno, I want to be realistic about potential delays.

Features a versatile layout with potential for office or hobby spaces, and a primary suite with a double vanity bath.

I’m brainstorming ideas on how I can market myself to potential mentors in the STR game in order to gain experience.

The game plan would be to keep this structure for 1-2 years with future full sale.

It's nice, but it's also over built for it's investment use potentials. 

But I still would not let potential renters in without someone there.

This would apply to your unit.Your biggest concern with setting the rent should be the near future. 1) Your insurance is guaranteed to go up, probably dramatically.  2) You may get an insurance assessment bill to cover the CA Fair Plan losses.