Look for an independent inspector.

However Always Always Always get a septic inspection preferably from an independent septic inspector who is not affiliated with a septic company who sells septic products, installs, or services them.

What I’m getting from this is that it’s not unreasonable to focus my efforts here and find creative ways to achieve financial independence in my expensive market.

Given my situation, all see like viable options, but I'm having some difficulty weighing the pros and cons of each approach.My goal is to achieve financial independence as quickly – but as safely and methodically – as possible through cash-flowing buy and hold properties.

It's really, really hard to argue with the years of success we've enjoyed since, the layers of financial independence that my wife's exceptional money management has laid down for us.

Any advice on how to legally operate a short-term rental + independent commercial space from an owner-occupied residential property?

I am fortunate to have a good job out of engineering undergrad and want to create financial independence for my family. 

@Paul Jollimore for sure my friend we have listed all costs associated with the rehab as if we were independent outside contractors on this.

Get an honest, independent, appraisal of the lot.

The end goal for me, is to eventually become financially independent (as much as possible) after I retire from the military, if not before then.