Truckee had some incentives not that long ago for new long term rentals entering the market.Call the city to see if still available. 

Ray you can still lend in CA you simply need a RE Broker to run the paper work for you so the state Is happy and they will usually want some sort of fee for their time and risk / effort.

With its own exterior entrance, soundproofing, and hotel-like amenities, guests have a comfortable space without ever entering our living area.

Have you found more expensive insurance is simply "the nature of the beast", or is there a better way my broker and I can go about keeping costs down on that side?

In order to facilitate a 1033 you would sImply use those funds to either rebuild on the land, or the replacement can be a new investment propert purchase.

This tax applies to rental contracts entered into on Jan 1 and after. 

I'd encourage you personally to either consider a strategy that allows you to add value quickly and get out quickly (a Flip or BRRRR) if the HELOC is your current only/best option for cash, and/or to simply save up.

As of March 2024, this is what I've learned: --> He states he only enters into deals that are projected to earn no less than 25% return, and says he's averaging about 36% return on property investments. 

I simply call my broker and add the customers name to my liability policy.

If you do not close on enough of your properties to defer all tax you will simply pay the same tax you would have at the same time you would have.