I am currently looking for a STR in Palm Springs and really trying to nail down expenses.  

However, nobody would really know, especially since you are rural.But, as a cautionary tale, we just sold something off River Road near Salinas/Las Palmas/Indian Springs, and MoCo made the seller rip out a finished apartment above the garage to stay within code compliance.I would start the permit process from the very beginning or not at all.

I am looking to network with other investors and build relationships with wholesalers in Houston, Spring, Humble. 

Ask a real estate attorney for the state you are considering.But, here are some costs:Unpaid principalArrearslegal fees of the pre-foreclosurehome owner's insurancemoney to the seller for movingmoney to the real estate agent if one is involvedtitle insuranceescrowpre-paidsunpaid property taxesunpaid 2nd loan if it existsunpaid electric billsunpaid water billsunpaid gas billsunpaid mechanics liensunpaid fines for city violationsdeferred roof maintenancedeferred maintenance in generaldumpster to get rid of everything left behind

But if you are using it for the kitchen then LVP is better because its water resistant. 

I believe with a month to month lease in effect we will have a reasonable time frame to rehab the unit during the final winter months and have it ready for spring rental.

- Drain pool, cover pool- Run HVAC for 10 minutes, AC/Heat- Leave refrigerator slightly open- Run all water fixtures and flush toilets a few times- Drain and turn off water heater - Have gardener specifically look for rodents intrusion Any and all ideas on additional long-term storage welcome.

Repair Costs: $2500Down Payment: 25%Interest Rate: 6.1% - 30 Years LoanRent: $2350 (current)Water and Sewer: $150 monthlyGarbage: $100 monthlyInsurance: $200Other: $275 (this is my HELOC payment assumption)Vacancy: 5%R&M: 7%CAPEX: 7%PM Fee: 10%Annual Income Growth: 2%Annual PV Growth: 2%Annual exp.

There seems to be some water damage in one corner due to some water that was coming down from a gutter.

When utilities (maybe just water) gets turned on, city requires an inspection.