It's not a magic bullet to solve all operational needs, but the process works very well when a remote team member at a lower labor rate fits into the needs of a scaling business.

I am seeing some restaurant operators open up locations in rural markets, and those eateries are doing well. 

Once you feel you've built a strong team with your first property and have solid systems in place, I would then start buying more aggressively and taking on bigger projects.I suggest reading this BP article on the core 4.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-team

Savings: Hold the deposit here so it's separate from operating funds.

Most of my client-base own and operate within CA, though several have out of state filings / properties / and are operating businesses outside of real estate.As far as real estate laws, my expertise leans heavily towards income tax strategies, filings and assisting clients through highly complex transactions, not necessarily property tax law. 

The operative word is that you "intend" to live in the property for 3 additional years.

Additionally, a posting of vacation rental information and signs on or in the property must be posted.City of BradentonThe City of Bradenton does allow short-term rentals; however, a new ordinance regulates the operation of short-term rentals within the city limits and requires owners to register their properties and meet a number of criteria.

I have personally not worked on any of these but it does not seem to be anything too crazy.It's an FHA Loan that can be combined with other FHA products like a 203k.I am a Loan Officer for "Correspondent Lender" so I can operate under the rules of over 100 lenders...I would be able to place this in a few hours with 1 email...We would just have to make sure all the boxes are checked...Energy Efficient Improvements Must Be Cost-EffectiveThe financed portion of an Energy Package must be cost-effective.

We own two of these properties, while the other two are leased and operated as Airbnbs.

I think I'll just look at this as a learning experience for how I operate going forward and take my chances on having it appraised as is.