4.Tips to avoid similar issues in the future?

Before listing it on an STR platform, I need to make some improvements to my current home.How can I maximize tax write-offs for these improvements?

If this is the case, would the original seller financing have to mention that the buyer (me) can re-sell the property at any time? 

Hire an attorney and proceed with the eviction.In the future, I recommend you don't accept "landlord references" from friends or family members.

Rock that for about 12 months and add some equity and then you could refi out to conventional so as you pay it down in the future the mortgage insurance will drop off.

Also, going to local RE meetups may be smart to see if any investors have good plumbers/contracts they use.What sort of alternative financing options?

@Kane Spangler There's a since of pressure to build or buy RE in your post.

I've consistently written about the forces of nature and her current and future effects on the real estate market (even while often being ridiculed and politicized on this very site for it) regardless: I personally moved and invested in coastal Oregon in 2018 from Venice Beach Los Angeles partly as a result of the trajectory of climate and have assisted several clients that specifically purchased on the Oregon Coast for their own 'climate havens,' investment and future retirement homes. 

Fees should be clearly stated in writing, easy to understand, and justifiable.

@Jordyn Ohs Assuming your heloc is re-advanceable and the rate is higher than your mortgage, I would suggest you pay your HELOC down as quickly as possible with any cash flow from the properties.