River, I have bid on a few properties that would be great for short term but most of what I am looking at are for long term due to town restrictions and very good school districts.

For a commercial loan at 7% over 15 years, you can use an online loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments.

I would love to hear any recommendations of online resources and/or podcasts to understand the market better, as well as RE investing in general.

Are there lots of reguklation restrictions in Blue ridge?

I am looking for any helpful information you have to share or any (free online) resources; podcasts, books etc.

Check out other online guides available here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides3.

Regs can run the gamut:  STR licenses are unlimited and available immediately with no restrictions, STRs can only be rented so many nights/ stays a year, STRs can only be in designated areas, the number of STRs are capped and there is a waitlist for a license.As others have mentioned, typically an unregulated STR will have more revenue than a LTR, but it will require more consistent work and effort.  

There is so much BAD information online about LLC's and real estate investments its disgusting. 

I've never seen an "All Other Perils" deductible restricted to percentage of the policy.  

These can be found online by search 'Section 8 Fair Market Rent for 2024'.