Is that the best to start or should I aim to be driving for dollars and be a wholesaler one day?

A cap rate is essentially a measure of desirability for the market or neighborhood the property is in. 

@Jason Staine Our aim is to be easier to use than your local bank. 

If you see more restrictive measures being enforced on STRs in that area, then it might not be the best long term option for your portfolio.

After putting in some light renovation in the property ($14,000 total) we are aiming to get $1,400 per unit.

Being 1.5hrs of NYC gives you a lot of options, even Long Island (which typically has more options for public commute into NYC).Give me a shout if you'd like to chat more, I have a handful of case studies on my site as well from deals I've closed/brokered that match the househacking criteria you're aiming for. 

The other project aims to generate income through entry fees to cenotes and nature trails.

That being said, I have detailed measurements and pictures of every angle inside every room, and to me that’s worth more than seeing a place in person since I do plenty remote renovations.

Aim for some cash flow, or a market where appreciation is likely (pop & job growth, etc.).

I’m looking for ideas on safety measures that I should consider or ways to eliminate the lingering by unwanted guests.