I have done preliminary research and I am at the point where I need more insight from folks on the ground. 

Wagering tourism and STR business will ramp back up in the area soon.That said, STR's can be a risky business model, as rules can and often do change.

Most investors think of this as a preliminary check to compare between deals.

@Jared W Smith that makes sense but I read this information which illustrates a more essential other than aestheticsConsider how the space will be used and how people will move through the spaceSketch preliminary design plans, including electrical and partition layoutsSpecify materials and furnishings, such as lighting, furniture, wall finishes, flooring, and plumbing fixturesCreate a timeline for the interior design project and estimate project costsPlace orders for materials and oversee the installation of the design elementsOversee construction and coordinate with general building contractors to implement the plans and specifications for the projectVisit the site after the project is complete, to ensure that the client is satisfied

In my preliminary search, I've found that most lenders often have overlays on top of the minimum FHA requirements whereas some brokers do not.

I'm considering hiring someone to make preliminary screening phone calls to our leads using a script.

I'd wager you could do a monthly marketing charge though.

I just had a bank, Chase who gave us a preliminary short sale approval, but didn't give us final short sale until we submitted a final HUD.

Sometimes they sell you a policy and limit or exclude coverage in some area or another so you need to read your policy before closing...and they will send you a preliminary policy in plenty of time.

My tentative thought, were I to make an offer, would be to make the offer contingent on an Approval to Start Work (or at least something preliminary) from the Building Department.