A bonus for me was is that Nevada is close to all my family still in CA. 

Access to an STR isn't essential, but helpful and bonus when it's personal usage time..- Insurability & Operations costs: Can be considerably lower (especially in comparison to CA) with most coastal regions there is much lower wildfire risk and the properties that are in flood zones, have surprisingly accessible and affordable policy costs.

and seeking some wisdom for a rookie.Interested specifically in Kissimmee/Orlando/Davenport as Disney market feels familiar to me and it’s generally a cheaper entry point than beach condos.Looking at Regal Oaks (staying here now on vacation myself and enjoying it, though have read mixed things about occupancy), Windsor Hills, and Champions Gate.Goal is to have a second home that I AirBnb out the majority of the year but also can escape to when NYC is ruthless (like now :) hoping to live in the 150-250K range, bonus if there’s a pool (regal oaks has community pool and individual hot tubs), and solid amenities.Other than reading for my life, how can I number crunch and prepare for this?

Find yourself a good local housekeeper, treat them well with the occasional bonus and they will be your eyes and ears. 

Approaching the end of my first BRRRR (rehab to be done in 2 weeks) and I'd like to reward my contractor with a cash bonus; I'm wondering what an appropriate amount of money is to give him.

Most homes that I have seen which use a less open floor plan tended to be very expensive ones where real entertaining of clients and the like was a consideration, and curiously those people tended to have formal dining areas where you could not see the kitchen sink… this is why we put bonus rooms in our open concept floor plans. 

Half the crew are driving company vehicles and receiving bonuses on top.  

@Giles D.You may actually owe the IRS money if they claimed bonus depreciation.

Keep in mind, the new vehicle may be eligible for Bonus Depreciation or Sec 179 depending on % you use it for business/rentals vs. personal use....

I will add a bit more below;The casino project has portrayed a great deal of "hype" with many of Springfield's investors/residents/community.