From my understanding, as long as you intend on doing a STR when you close, there are no rules against changing your strategy after closing, especially if you find that something else is more profitable.So in our case, the lender determined an STR would bring in ~$3500/month (with all of their conservative factors), but now that we operate it as a huge 3300 sqft Co-Living property, it actually brings in $7000/month.

I prefer markets that experience mild winters to eliminate the added costs brutal winters can bring. 

My question is why you want to bring it up to code, other than just to feel good or improve your exit strategy?

On a broker split maybe you need to bring in 120,000 commission to get that 72,000.

Within a residence there is a presumed right to privacy and installing cameras by you or your tenants can bring you legal issues.  

To find reliable contractors, ask for recommendations from other investors, real estate agents, or your local hardware store, and check platforms like Angi or Thumbtack for reviews.It’s best to bring a contractor out after the inspection so you have all the details to discuss.

I did my usual response asking if they have been to the area before, bringing a dog etc. with no response.

:(sorry for the thread hijack) We're restoring a Maule taildragger and probably bringing up there.

You can buy some solid properties that bring appreciation and decent cash-flow and appreciation in C0lumbus, 0H

Did you bring debt or 100% equity to acquire these?