I'd check local STR FB groups and see if you have a local Real Estate Club.You can offer your services there, maybe for free in exchange for the experience.

If you're active in the market or have any advice, I’d be grateful to learn from your experience!

I'm happy to share my experience with this market if you'd like to message me to set-up a call. 

You both clearly have experience dealing with this firsthand, and I want to see if there's a way to balance enforcement with profitability.

That's a $268,000 gain per property, or, a total equity gain of $536,000 (which is higher than the CA property's equity gain of $296,000).This is a theoretical example using gross approximations, but hopefully it displays the point that percent-growth is still more important than total value growth.And you're also right about it being a coincidence that certain states are blue and experience high appreciation.

It's unique and you could make this feature an amazing centerpiece and hero photo.Since you’re installing a mini-split, heat isn’t the issue—it’s all about guest experience and aesthetics.

Are there other pathways I should consider, based on my goals and experience?

Looking for shared experience with this gray area. 

In terms of finding a partner, I would recommend partnering with someone who has something that you don't have (understands renovations, real estate experience, has money, etc.)

In my experience it is common and customary for the landlord or builder to provide TIA, tenant improvement allowance, to the tenant to assist if not cover the majority of the internal buildout.