You can also take the profit first approach and make sure you are taking profit out of your real estate on a regular basis to do with as you'd like.

I am not sure I've ever seen where the tax writeoffs are different for STRs than they are for MTR's or LTR's in terms of writing losses off against your regular income. 

A regular GC might be able to assist with the remainder or all of the work to include foundation.

I will be self-managing this first rental, so I have wondered what the best way is to make sure the softener is regularly salted. 

I could sell my entire portfolio of 28 doors and pull the leverage lever OR I could sell this 14 unit and pay for something in all cash and do a lazy 1031 exchange, or do a regular 1031 which puts more pressure on the time frame. 

However, termites can be persistent, so a regular maintenance plan could add peace of mind and prevent future damage.For example, your pest control company’s plan charges $995 upfront for termites and $22 per month for ongoing treatment.

LTR:The STR loophole can be a huge tax advantage because you can use depreciation and other expenses to offset your regular income, which is a big win.

During our first deal we'll look at communication and regular updates.

As you said you are currently still employed there, so you can't do it right away until you leave employment there.Second, once you've rolled over, you can setup your SDIRA as a regular account (where fund release has to go via your custodian) or setup a LLC checkbook option, where you can write out a check for your choice of investments.Yes you will have full control over the use of funds in your rolled over SDIRA. 

My student loan payments are $0, but the regular VA lender I've been working with told me they have to factor as if I'm paying $820/mo!