I am now under the suspicion that their friend, the one who is still living at the property, is the one who created separate accounts for all three of them and did the signing for each individual who is under this lease agreement. 

As you grow, use 1031 exchanges to defer taxes and scale your portfolio.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

I wanted to create an STR experience and bring my bold ideas to life.

Also keep in mind in LA most of those lots were created from 1900 to 1950s and well they are lots of record.. and were developed with the standards of the day..

You could start by checking out Upwork or Fiverr—those platforms are great for beginners because you can create a profile and bid on jobs.

Not all loan officers are created equal.  

I would get an attorney or title company involved to create your loan documents to ensure they comply with the law and cover all the aspects you need.Another method that is likely your best bet to take on investors is to create a joint venture (JV).

You should consider creating a good entity either way, but especially if you are going to self manage.

While I don't have ideas on compelling Airbnb to do the right thing (unless you have national news reporter friends), what you've reported is one of my fears and you've had a great and successful history of bookings so far.

Wants what he thinks is a market price for something but doesn't understand the albatross he has created over the last 20 years.