Usually living in it for a few years may be enough for it to cash flow positive when you move out.  

I also agree that RE appreciation is unlikely to match the last dozen years, but you never know.Where I am unsure we agree is that paying $450k to improve the cash flow ~$3k (your numbers but I expect my delta wold be similar meaning both my cash flow estimates would be worse than yours but both would be worse by the same amount not affecting the difference) makes sense especially if the cost of having the extra $450k is only 6% rate which is historically simple to beat via numerous investment options and hopefully no one is investing in RE for an expected of 6%.  

In Oceanside, New non-hosted STRs are prohibited outside of the Coastal Zone as of February 10, 2024.Most HOA's do not allow rentals less than 30 days so that is likely not an option unless you find a couple of places on the water that allow it but usually tough to find below $1M. 

It was usually for a month or so and if they had funds, I let them in.

So your saying select No Damage Protection and just submit an extra charge when it's warranted? 

Most land buyers who are developers usually stick to a very predefined region within their local market and they hunt and wait for killer deals and market swings to get the land they want for the very specific purpose they want.

We have increased our monthly rent to price ratio from your ~0.75% to 1.1% but the leverage ate up all the extra cash flow (even if the total return is likely higher).You could be a cash buyer and go from your one property to 20 and cash flow 20000/mo but you are still having to buy and manage 20 properties.You can do better on the total cash flow in other markets or rougher neighborhoods, but the story is similar: you are getting an extra ~25-35% in income for 20x the hassle.

Usually a pattern will emerge on a 'normal' deal in your area.

So, the first question they usually ask a PMC is about fees - instead of asking about services and HOW those services are executed.EXAMPLE: PMC states they will handle tenant screening – what does that specifically mean?

As others have stated, your fit & finish goals should be guided by whether you plan to:1) Rent: tenants don't always take care of a property, so you want to use lower-grade materials and workmanship.2) Flip: higher quality on workmanship and materials is usually required.Regardless, you always want to "Maintain to the Neighborhood".