I network with hundreds of realtors and peer banks, and for all of them, nationwide, for over 25 years, it doesn't work that way....i will wait for your next post where you assert again, your own personal experience as a common function that happens all the time all over the place.

A friend who lives in the area believed the issue could be solved with a new working sump pump (He also asserted that there probably was not mold since this area of ME stays cool and dry most of the year). 

Do you have some evidence to back that assertion?

Additionally, I have qualms on the assertion that parking/traffic is an inherently negative attribute of STRs, again, because it applied without recognizing how an owner occupant utilizes the property during their routine (maybe they have 6 cars...maybe they have deliveries scheudled every day...maybe they choose to throw house parties for their family and friends once a week).2) Density (as proposed): Wow...this one screams slippery slope and significant impacts to investors.

Commercial loan rates are higher than personal, however I want to protect my personal asserts as well.

A quick search on this site will verify this assertion.

It's impossible to predict whether or not a market will go up or down with 100% certainty, but by looking at the data available we can make solid assertions as to the trajectory a market may take.  

As a rehab manager myself I will say that your contractor is smart, he is trying to gently assert that its "HIS" project once you signed the agreement. 

At trial, an out-of-court statement being offered for the truth of the matter asserted is hearsay, and is generally inadmissible evidence. 

When these variances get approved they do not change the zoning of the property but the approved variance document is your legal document asserting the property is being used legally.