You are asking legal questions and your best bet would be a quick consultation with a knowledgeable real estate attorney in your state.

Should I hold onto as much of it as I can and bet on a combo of cash flow and appreciation for the long term?

I would not, however, bet on shipping rates staying this low over the long term.They have all the plumbing and electrical built into a centerpiece.This the sort of problem you'll face.  

We are in a new era of higher interest rates, gurus selling information, and low supply in popular markets.

You bet--i sent you a connect request w/my info if needed--best

I’ve helped plenty of investors navigate these tricky tax and management questions, especially with properties in popular STR markets like Phoenix and Austin.Good luck with the purchase—sounds like you’ve got a great opportunity on your hands! 

I’m already aware of the popularity of Joshua Tree and Lake Tahoe, so I’m interested in hearing about other markets that are strong performers and investor-friendly in terms of regulations.Does anyone have insights on:Specific cities or regions where the permit process is more straightforward?

That just tells me real estate must just be a safer bet than dental offices from an investors perspective, which is great as I'm moving away from dental.

CAR forms and attorneys are going to be your best bet.

Honestly, big banks have terrible rates on mortgage.Work with a broker, they are your best bet; pricing beats big banks 9 times out of 10.