I think the city in TX would also develop much faster than CA because TX has more relaxing regulations to build houses.

A primary residence on a 15yr mortgage with a 3.1% int rate... a comfortable payment.

So often you see a bland 'beach/ocean' themed STRs...I get it, people are booking your condo to go to the beach and relax, but you can have a fun, stand out theme that still revolves around the ocean, relaxation, etc.

Many title Co's do cut and dry transactions and are not comfortable closing deals in this manner.  

Agreed @Nate Marshall - I chose the "guru" route to level-up my portfolio, brrrrr stopped working for me as frequently and since becoming a mom, I didn't feel as comfortable flying to locations where I could get the 1% rule so I've transitioned to flipping and enrolled in a course so I can be competitive in a HCOL cityLastly, though I'm not an influencer, I do enjoy sharing my projects on social media (like most people who take pride in their work).

IMO I would skip out on a course but that would be based on your comfort level jumping inUsing your own money?

First, I'd recommend getting to know what different avenues you have such as wholesaling, buy and hold, developing, "house-hack", etc and seeing what you're comfortable with.

I'm guessing I can't be the only one...How do people find comfort in knowing the interest payments, over time, could even exceed the original value of the loan?

Due to the changes with your business, I am not comfortable continuing the current lease.

Curb appeal is a thing, but MTR is about the comfort of home away from home.