An expert (2 actually) tells you some solid advice and you resist it.I am telling you, IT DOES NOT MATTER!

Even as a landlord, resist the urge to wander anywhere but where you need to be doing work. 

I like that you didn't neglect the foundation...so many owners try to rehab in spite of the crawlspace then have problems down the road.Recommendation: Try to avoid steel shims on a pier and beam home, rot/insect resistant cedar shingles are preferred:- allows for more precise leveling- can be easily installed without over driving thicker shims and creating humps in flooring down the road.Congrats

I'd rather start high and work down in $25 increments than sell myself short What I think will happen:  Although I think $2000 is a fair price I believe there is a psychological resistance to that even round and perhaps large number. 

How do I arrange access to property for my contractors prior to closing if the current owner is resistant?

I did some researches and it turns out there are lots of restrictions/resistances on STR not only in California but other states too (and bills are getting passed left and right ...)As STR (AirBnb, VRBO) are getting more restrictions, does anyone start thinking to switch (or already switched) the strategy to LTR?

Sorry, could not resist. :)

I am finding by being active and licensed as of a month ago (gasp)  that in Arkansas it is hard because of the laws realtors must abide that to work in this way completely ethically is near impossible...hence my resistance in this last year.

I learned that is has the least resistance to entry.

The hardest part of any endeavor for me as I imagine is for most people is resistance.