As opposed to a brand name insurance company that likely will only have 1 option.

Living in an "appreciation market" (as opposed to "cash flow" market) is tough because 80% of the strategies talked about on BiggerPockets don't work well here, especially if you want to live in a half decent area.We looked at 2-family properties, but ended up buying a 2BD/2BA fixer-upper condo in an area that still allowed us to live life how we wanted. 

However, resuming renovations is essential to increasing revenue, and a capital infusion allows us to resume both interior and exterior renovations.

But once rat-race to sell starts and mortgages drown under water how many people will make sacrifices and pay their last cents to stay current in the mortgage, as opposed to letting banks to foreclose?

Plan is to wall it off and convert to a 4br/2ba,  update existing bath and kitchen, new floors,  interior and exterior  paint.

Consequently, most STR owners look at the revenue from renting as a way to offset the cost of having a ski house as opposed to strictly as an investment vehicle.  2)  How are STRs regulated in the area where you would want the vacation home?  

This is why the agencies don't let you swap out management companies, or engage in unexpected mass-renovations (as opposed to simply renovating on turnovers), without their prior approval.

The hospitality industry lobbied pretty hard for that to happen to give them an edge since those are areas where hotels are located as opposed to residential zones. 

For outside lighting if possible invest in good quality solar exterior lighting to help control the electrical costs.

Cost segregation is a commonly used strategic tax planning tool that allows companies and individuals who have constructed, purchased, expanded or remodeled any kind of real estate to increase cash flow by accelerating depreciation deductions and deferring federal and state income taxes.When a property is purchased, not only does it include a building structure, but it also includes all of its interior and exterior components.