Coming from oil and gas and healthcare, we’re new to this industry but driven by the same values that guide us in life: family, hard work, and dedication.

So, where all the lies, deceit and snake oil salesmanship is in all of this?

As you have experienced this is the nature of these transactions.

Answer: No, buying an STR doesn't change the nature of historical passive losses on other LTRs you own and carried forward from prior tax years 

Sources for insurance and property taxes: Insurance - ValuePenguin, State Property Tax Rates - Rocket Mortgage.Low risk of natural disaster: Natural disasters can devastate your property and the surrounding community, leading to job losses and the closure of shops and businesses.

Most fake this, but you are genuine.My response to you is then this.First, be careful, because human nature is a treacherous one.

I, like most posters here, have a natural bias toward our area of investment/financial/business interest.  

He's a snake oil salesman.

Thinking of Freeport, niceville, crestview, etc.I like Freeport overall and naturally I’m looking at rentals rates vs the cost of townhomes and single family homes.

Yes, you have your nuances and pains that make you work a bit harder for your money in these areas, but each has its own gravitational pull that, even though some hate it, more people are drawn to it, creating a natural scarcity.