I won't be able to make the cottage legal rental without living in the primary home myself.

All existing STRs with 2 days rented in the last year will be granted legal non-conforming status.  

In 30+ years we've been sued 1x (legal blackmail over a tenant's drunken trip/fall) which the insurance company settled for $1,500.00).We've been using some privacy tactics to keep our names off the county recorder and the target off our backs.Further, we review our insurance coverage and premium annually, just to keep on top of any changes.As with all insurance, it seems to be a waste of money... until you NEED it!

The standard rule is $250k per person who legally owns/occupies for the 2/5 year requirement. 

You will want to consult with a lawyer.In regards to your last two questions here's some background on what makes a contract valid and enforceable:Offer: A promise to do or not do something within a certain time period Acceptance: A clear and direct statement that all terms and responsibilities are accepted Consideration: A legal and adequate inducement given in exchange for the promise Capacity: The parties to the contract must have the legal capacity and competency to contract Awareness: A party must be aware of the contract Legality: The contract must be legal in the jurisdiction it will be operating in***Not legal advice*** Steps I would take: -Review contract in detail to understand each counterparties responsibilities (if you are not aware)- Email a copy of the lease to each of the tenants listed on the lease and reiterate lease expectations for termination notice, rent payment etc. - If the lease was signed via Docusign (other esign may have same ability) - you can go to the envelope, go to history and view the IP addresses for each action taken.

Terms such as interest rates and payment schedules are typically negotiable.Combining creative financing with seller financing can include strategies like:Subject-to and Seller Financing: Taking over the seller's mortgage and financing the equity portion through the seller.Lease Option: Renting with an option to buy while negotiating seller financing for part of the purchase.Wraparound Mortgage: Keeping the seller's existing loan while they finance a new loan that includes the balance.To proceed, consider connecting with experienced investors, understanding local legal implications, and attending networking events to gather insights.

There are some legal considerations as well as practical considerations 1.  

I have never done this just thinking out loudNo legal advice.

Quote from @Stylianos Kalamaras: Yes they are, they cost me $800 knowing they would not close my deal and waste my time, if I had any possible legal recourse I would take it they shouldn’t be allowed to operate it’s really sad.  

TIAOne can walk away, or file legal actions.