Feel free to reach out if you need anything while you are getting your foot in the door with real estate.

I rebuilt a house in the area a decade or so ago that had cracks in the walls that I later discovered had a 6 foot diameter bee hive in it.

You don't get to keep that income tax free...If you have to lie and cheat to get the property to work for you, I would just pass on it...you're starting off on a bad foot and will just lose the money you save later...And like @Jonathan Greene said - how did they get a COO without a permit?

Everyone who steps inside is wowed by the space and in awe of the 2-story wall of windows surrounding a 140+ foot redwood tree.

I am wanting to connect or shadow with interior designers, decorators, or even project managers, just so I can get my foot in the door and understand all aspects of a construction process. 

They're basically shooting themselves in the foot.

It may well form part of the bank valuation in terms of square foot, and it may be covered in the habitation license (the habitation license would cover house + annex), but it will be treated differently and need to be closed off for rental.

Congratulations on getting your foot in the STR door, starting out is always a challenge to new host but dont worry you will get there. 

The larger ones are much cheaper per square foot but the rents for the 1,700 to 2500 sq ft cabins have come down as have their prices. 

They would have to foot the bill and also pay for the removal (up front) - because maybe they will work the disposal correctly, but there will be a next tenant - so that decision could have expensive consequences for them.When you present them with the true cost of install and removal, it may not be that important anymore..