Rent it out standard or to short term to tourists, hospitals near the property and an area where people go to retire.

Is this accurate, as I have not encountered anything concerning 12 month seasoning periods, especially for cash purchases.This really hurts my turn-around and portfolio building timeframe if this has become standard (which I have not heard of a 12 month seasoning period during any research nor listening to any podcasts).Thanks!

Currently we are seeing STR owners posting for sale due to reduction in prices they can get per night and the vacancy rate increasing.

There is no "set" or "standard" fee that is required by NAR or a MLS.

Secondly I would tell you to look outside of California to buy a investment property to stretch your cash and increase your ROI.

It doesn't mean no noise, it doesn't mean they get to control time and space but it does mean that the landlord does not have the right to enter at will and/or impose living standards upon them. 

You will likely have taxable income and an increased tax bill in scenario 2. 

In general I would expect to pay more for an insurance on a business policy rather than a personal policy and am not surprised by the increase. 

  $100 increase on $800 is likely to result in a vacancy more so than on a $1800 property. 

The other big issue we run into with old homes is window size, so if you are not putting new siding up and have to stick with old window size(non-standard) it will add quite a lot to your budget, just something to keep in mind.