I personally like NC, but I am biased, I live here. 

Hi Alya, I've personally done a lot of STR and MTR for my clients so I have a lot of experience with this.

I am leaning towards building a smaller 800-1,000 sqft modern cabin as a STR and for personal use throughout the year.

And personally, I think this unit is nicer.

Either a personal residential home or an investment property? 

Quote from @Diran Deukmajian: State laws vary, so you should talk to the Sheriff's Department and see what to expect.In most states, the Sheriff will show up and expect the person to be out.

Like you said, a real estate attorney would be a valuable person to talk to, but here's what I have: Considerations: short/long-term rentals, co-ownershipTo keep your favorable mortgage rate, you can consider a Joint Tenancy or Tenancy in Common agreement without refinancing.

I have a few partners, but went over budget and personally funded the remaining construction costs.  

I understand if this person is renting the whole apartment unit, but how does the ESA works out in shared housing?

Hi Jared,For my furnished properties, I personally use Airbnb (and set to 30+ days for minimum rental period) and Zillow.