Send me a PM and I'll send you a couple of examples of what is on the market outside of Atlanta so you can run your numbers and see if that fits.

A balanced, stable approach often wins out in the long run.

If you are trying to get a cash out refi, I would think the bank would want to see the correct type of insurance for the business you are running.

I’m sure others here are also running into this issue, so any recommendations and referrals would be greatly appreciated!

If you run out, you’re dead in this business.

The members here on BP that talk about STR auto-run systems didn't install those systems and find dependable cleaners & handymen overnight.

I'm going to reiterate what's already been mentioned above, but I'm going to actually give you examples of why it's relevant to you to find a U.S. tax professional.1 - You're going to need to file U.S. taxes once you have property down here, there's federal filings, state filings, and sometimes local filings too2 - Tons of tax treaties between the U.S. and Canada that are easy to miss and can cost you a lot of money (important one with rentals - effectively connected income - if the professional you talk to doesn't know what this is, run away)3 - The amount of days you spend in the U.S. needs to be tracked and if you go over a threshold, all of your worldwide income could be taxable by the U.S.4 - Selling real property means up to 15% of your sales proceeds might not be available to you for years (FIRPTA)5 - Lots of nuance at the state and local levels, which both want to take as much money from you as possibleMain takeaway here is that you should find a U.S. based tax person.

At least run this with good, bad, worst scenarios.

I would just cap it generously to only catch abusers and figure the normal running costs in your rent. 

Based on my experience of running properties, even if the build were to cost you as much as $600k but you could generate $125k/year, you'd be very happy with that investment.