I am very new to all these ideas and have been watching the podcasts, youtubes and reading articles as well, trying to narrow down my options.

Here is what I proposed:Setup fees : Administration Setup:One Time Fee: $400Guidebook: Using professional photos give the guests a professional tour of the house and how the home works (Wifi passwords // How to use grill // How to use propane fireplace // Hot tub instructions // Sauna instructions //Check in and check out instructions //where extras may be storedOTA (Online Travel Agency) setups: taking professional photos and actively updating your listing on popular platforms;PMS (Property Management System) Setup Smart Pricing Set upWebsite integrationOther (furniture arrangement / design / décor shopping and set up) $50 per hour· Placement fees · Marketing Cost: Variable depending on needs/wants for marketingFacebook AdsGoogle Ads Cleaners: Set up procedures/take pics of expectations· Management fee—30%Guest communicationCleaner communicationSetting Rental rateDealing with small maintenance issuesBooking CoordinationSmart Lock integrationKeeping supplies stocked (TP, paper towel, all cleaning products, coffee, filters, creamer, sugars, teas,)(Receipts would be submitted on a monthly basis for either reimbursement or book keeping purposes)Encouraging guests to leave good reviews by periodically checking in, providing a review template, and ensuring guests receive the amenities they are looking forContinued marketingMajor Maintenance fees—OwnerCleaning and laundry services fees: Cleaning fee to the guest depending on how cleaner wants to charge

(Wyoming and Nevada, are popular for this)This still doesn't solve your "privacy issue" though, that would generally be done by holding title in a real estate privacy trust.

Imagine person A has a blog about fishing, and person B has a blog about Boyscouts.Person A wants to write an article explaining their users how to tie the perfect knot  to attach the hook to the line, which let's say is the "3 loop hole rabbit" know (made that up).So do you think it is smart for person A to reinvent the wheel and write a completely new article on how to tie that knot, when Person B, the expert boyscout  having already written an award winning blog entry on exactly how to tie that knot with videos diagrams pictures and everything?

Cart rental is very popular in the area.

Here's an article for reference: https://www.woodtv.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/10-us-cities-where-home-prices-are-getting-worse-and-5-where-theyre-dropping/?

They often make decisions that are popular with their constituents but not really in the best interest.  

I believe this is correct - doable but very challenging to qualify STR with conventional in a high-rate environment like we've been in.Sharing this article published last year on STR Loans Options Pros/Cons, etc if it helps!

See what is popular (rental wise) around you. 

Here's an article with some examples: https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/one-extra-mortgag...You can also search for "early mortgage payoff calculator" and enter your own numbers to see how extra payments impact your mortgage.