As you begin, remember to take your time researching and exploring different options.

So if your home is in AE-9, you must build the living spaces 10 feet above grade.So what are your options in these cases?

There will always be demand in the market (it's not like some covid markets that could disappear as vacation destinations almost entirely over the next decade), and the regulation risk is as near to zero as you can get in this industry so long as you buy in the approved tourist zones (again, compared to some smaller/less mature markets where they could outlaw STRs tomorrow).For short period cash flow there are better options. 

When I die, they can keep renting out the properties or move into the SFH, or take the step up basis and sell it with not as high of a capital gains tax hit (I hope they wouldn't choose the 3rd option).

I think this is kind of a daisy chain from other sources, so it's not worth it; it's a kind of like Investor Lift for wholesalers.

I also tried calling their support line for listings, but no one answered.To investigate further, I re-listed the property with identical information but without paying for the premium $29.99 option.

You’re in the right place to learn about real estate investing.House hacking is a great option if you choose to invest locally.

However, the absence of a renewal option in the lease could indicate uncertainty or strategic flexibility.

Of course email is another option.

@Seth Rose Chehalis has some potential as does the peninsula.Spokane might be an option as well.