What is the $1,700/month based on, and which neighborhood is this?

Be aware of California taxes that will hit you in their other funds based on your income level.

Based on your situation, you will likely need to recapture the depreciation when you convert the property from a rental (STR) to your primary residence in 2025. 

We consulted with a designer once, but saw it as no value based on what we had already done ourselves.

This^^^^^Unless he is loaded with cash reserves and can take a loan out based on his liquid reserves.

I own and invest in Birmingham and would be happy to connect to share insights and introduce you to contacts in my network.I also work for a local property management company that serves many out-of-state investors.If you come across any properties, I’d be happy to provide rental analysis reports based on comparable rentals to help you evaluate potential investments.Looking forward to connecting!

The guest house has STR rental history but the other two units would need to be based on projections. 

I’m based in Atlanta, GA, and currently exploring passive real estate opportunities in the area.

@Jason Brown - I'm a CT based investor, flipper, and property management company owner.  

Unlike Robert K and many on this site, I judge a property based on total return.