Do you want a vacation home or are you strictly looking for an investment.  

Depends if you are looking strictly cash flow or needing appreciation as well.

While it's a great spot with a ton of tourism unfortunately, it seems the hotels view STR's as competition and have helped to encourage the strict regulations.

Airbnb has several options to choose from (Flexible, Moderate, Firm, Strict and Super Strict). 

SC Coastal towns have gotten very strict with licensing, regulating, and permitting for STRs.

The IRS has strict rules preventing passive losses from offsetting active income unless you qualify as a Real Estate Professional (REP).

Ask how they handle routine maintenance and emergencies and whether they have established relationships with cost-effective and reliable vendors.By focusing on these critical factors, you’ll be in a solid position to hire a property manager who can take the stress out of managing your rental property while helping you maximize your investment.If anyone has more specific questions, feel free to ask—I am happy to share more detailed advice!

Am I still being too strict for class C tenants with the above-underlined criteria??? 

You're treading in RESPA-infested waters there and these are federal, not state regulations.Referral fees for ANY closing services on residential loans are strictly prohibited under RESPA regulations. 

Places like Dallas and Plano many not have strict regulations yet, but seems like the community is firmly against STR, so that's probably not the side you want to be on.