One of which is to get a better sense of where other people are investing in and why. 

Asking in the correct forum will get a better response.Read the RULES!

I am looking to keep growing, making myself better as well as other people.

Here are the airbnb links if that helps get a better idea of what I'm trying to describe.airbnb.com/h/treehouseyurtairbnb.com/h/yurtundertheliveoaksI had an investor ask me at what price point I would consider selling, that's what prompted me to dig a little deeper into determining what it is actually worth to a prospective buyer.

The best buyers agents provide insight to the market, negotiate to get a better deal, provides clarity to the transaction, steadies the nerves of buyers (first time home buyers for example), identifies problems with the property, introduces a whole cast of players to get the deal done etc.

Honestly, the fact you're sharing this and took it to the chin means you couldn't have done much better.

The higher your credit score the better.

My first question is do I pick a good, better, best system that costs from less to more $$ and do I justify the more expensive energy efficient system to grab a little higher rents since tenants will save money.

Or is it better to go directly to the city to get the permit process?

Having a separate savings account for each deposit is a better-organized way.