It's in Seminole (though technically in unincorporated Pinellas), close to the water (Tampa Bay) on an aquatic preserve, and about one mile from the beach at Indian Shores.It's a great piece of property. 

Renting rooms in a SFH is an option but I'd ideally want a set up where I can preserve my privacy! 

I am trying to find the easiest solution that preserves my ability to file a lien for construction rehab on the property if it goes south and someone else takes over the property.

This would help preserve your credit score by not having to apply for financing for each project. 

Big money, smart money, money preservers have invested in Cali for decades and from all states for the exact opposite reasons.

If you have less-than-stellar tenants, having a property manager be your first line of defense can help preserve your peace of mind.

I remember when Donald Trump many decades ago heard about a woman in a bad situation (the specifics of which elude me at the moment) about to be foreclosed on, and he gave her about $100k so she can preserve her family's house and honor.Money is money, business should be run with a calculator, etc. these arguments seem pretty petty all of a sudden.

I'd be putting these things in, and then share with the neighbors what preventative measures you've put in place to make sure you are helping preserve the neighborhood.  

The manager's/self manager's ability to address it immediately, in order to preserve the stay and the revenue, is key.Self management is great, but if you are refunding 20 days per year in rent because you couldn't adequately handle repairs, you probably didn't save any money by self managing.

Are you interested in cash flow, appreciation, capital preservation, etc.?