You probably know this already, but you don't want to put yourself in a situation where you are struggling to keep the lights on in the event that you put all of your equity into this home and can't take any out. 

I was advised it would be beneficial to have a reason for non-renewal in New Hampshire in the event that the tenant fights it.

Ensure the property appraises at its updated post-renovation value to maximize the equity you can pull out.A refinance isn’t a taxable event, but transferring ownership to your LLC may affect depreciation or future capital gains.

Going to networking events to network with Realtors, Mortgage, Title etc all helps. 

Well it will need to be life changing events like having kids, new job, divorce, taking care family members etc but the rule of thumb is to live there for at least one year then being able to rent it out and converting it into an investment property.

And I don't know if anyone recalls, but there were a good amount of financial planners before the GFC hit that were actively recruiting salespeople to pitch this strategy (i.e., refinance/heloc your primary to invest in other stuff).

I am attending the 3 day event in a couple weeks.

I do not know how the two may overlap and I can only comment on what I've observed in the Philadelphia market, but if the Philadelphia values I've seen in past social media posts and the limited financials available through their filings pertain to REIT owned assets, I can't foresee a scenario where the investors receive anywhere close to the share prices in the event the entire portfolio were liquidated. 

A great way to start is by attending RE events and joining a local investors association.

What happens if there is another COVID like event and STR use is banned for most of the year?