I know it won't help if 100 mile an hour winds come like in LA, but perhaps it could be a start..??

Changing lenders is unlikely to help.

If you find yourself answering "Yes" to most or all, then it may be a fit to keep it, otherwise selling may fit you best.

Certainly more areas with lower property taxes.

I have a 401k, IRA, and pension in place to help me achieve retirement quicker, however I definitely feel the squeeze on a daily basis and always feel like I'm living paycheck to paycheck.

They could work with an existing lender, do some marketing to help broker, get a cut and make FARRRR more $ with zero risk vs this EMD lending. 

We will be the only or one of a few that we can see with this type of amenity in our market for a vacation rental.

I would find the TOP 10 wholesalers in SA and go to work for one of them. 

Been a while since I last visited this website.

Adding and making better could sell or rent faster, but it won't get you more than what the market ARV and rent is set at from other similar comps in the area....and your Interior Design background will help, if you you it mostly as an understanding of cost.