Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Nothing illegal about doing that, but if caught, the lender may call the loan due and if you don't correct the situation or pay the loan off, they willstart mortgage foreclosure.3) You could also go the HELOC route to tap the equity in the home, but the 12-month owner-occupancy will also apply AND the interest rate on the HELOC will fluctuate with the Fed Fund Rate.4) You could do a cashout refi as an investment property, but that will be at an interest rate 0.5-1% higher than owner-occupied rate.Suggest you meet with 2-3 lenders to explore your options about the above.Once you have access to funds, recommend you buy a 2-4 unit with 20-25% down. - You can buy owner-occupied, live in one unit, and fix up and rent the other unit(s).- If you're handy, recommend buying a property in the worst condition you can tolerate.

Any recommendations for starting strong would be appreciated. 

For liability purposes our financial advisor is recommending creating a LLC for managing all of the STR stuff.

I would recommend finding a investor focused real estate agent or some wholesalers that focus on the areas you are looking

Who are great property managers in Atlanta you would recommend for my circumstance?  

I recommend you go to the source and educate yourself on all the landlord-tenant laws, particularly in an increasingly regulated state like Colorado.Here's a good starting point: https://doh.colorado.gov/landlord-rights-and-responsibilitie...

I would forgo altogether the decorative fence too. regarding the driveway & sidewalk I would recommend not adding a brick ribbon.

We simply include the tax on the invoice sent to guests, which makes it easier to track and ensures we're covered for tax purposes at the end of the year.For Chicago, I’d recommend checking directly with the city’s tax office or a CPA, but generally, you’ll need to register with the city, collect the hotel tax from guests, and remit it on a regular schedule (likely monthly or quarterly).

Does anyone have recommendations for a contractor for an almost full gut property in Rochester NY?