They are very strict and monitor to find and shut down unauthorized STRs.

Hey, I'm an Investor that is new to the area, is there a certain zip codes I should stay away from?

Which neighborhoods or zip codes?

For the search and ability to get a yes, find a property that is out of the area for the agent for instance you have a 626 area code and the agent that has the listing has a 949 area code (just a quick example).

I recommend you research demographic of some zip code.

All areas of these zip codes are not quite the same---things can change pretty drastically block to block and as you move further east past Hwy 71.

My pre-approval letter lets me edit the offering price and exact address, but by default it states the max qualified loan for a zip code.

The idea of sub-renting it out through airbnb or something similar would be strictly to cover cost.

@Andres Perez you're correct, while there is no strict waiting period for getting a HELOC, the standard is 30 to 45 days.

Is the current bathroom to code, do I need to undo what is there (although aesthetically looking perfectly fine) and get it all to code.