In fact, according to a recent study, regulation “imposed by all levels of government accounts for an average of 40.6 % of development costs (NAHB, O’Leary).”

I think the major branches of STR that owners need to know are -Financing, Market Research (you technically have it already in Cape Coral), Property Selection (what makes good STRs, regulations, analyzing, etc.), Designing and Furnishing (amenities, design, theme, linens, etc), and operating (Insurance, Property management or self-management, Tech & Tools, Cleaners & handy people, etc)All of these could be covered depending on who you work with that can cover each topic. 

Over the past year, I fully renovated a house owned by a family member, which has given me some hands-on experience.Currently, I am exploring properties that I could potentially fix up and have been practicing underwriting for these prospective investments.

I think HML started to market at PML to give borrowers the illusion of cheaper rates easier terms etc etc when that simply is not true in practice.

SC Coastal towns have gotten very strict with licensing, regulating, and permitting for STRs.

While I do book on FF and could save the fees for us both, it isn't an 'honest' practice IMO.

You're treading in RESPA-infested waters there and these are federal, not state regulations.Referral fees for ANY closing services on residential loans are strictly prohibited under RESPA regulations. 

I was wondering if anyone has best practices for using the software and creating follow up campaigns as well as how to appropriately tag conversations when people either are pissed off or say they are not interest.

Every county has different requirements, such as minimum square footage for rooms; maximum number of occupants, hallway sizes (If there will be residents in wheelchairs); and safety regulations which are usually different that owner-occupied homes (for example- Interior fire sprinkler systems).  2.

We do have a meeting with a local broker/real estate agent next week but thought it would be best to jump on line and take a look at some local properties and if nothing else practice our valuation process.