Truthfully, my sights are set more on eliminating my expenses and living more frugally in the next few years than they are set on becoming some sort of millionaire investor—but I think that if my first deals are successful, I can definitely see myself wanting to take on real estate as a serious career pursuit a little further down the road.

If the city can eliminate an STR that has operated legally for 23 years, it certainly can change the rules to further restrict/limit STRs. 

Put in about $25k of improvements, to include 2 unit rehabs, new roof (mostly covered by insurance) new paint, and eliminated one unit.

With that we can eliminate our utility costs which increases our bottom line and adds value to the building.

My wife and I add value by eliminating the obvious problems, the need of clean-up, repairs and updates.

Cities around here are slow to implement the new "modern city" changes you see in other places, like allowing ADUs and eliminating parking requirements. 

Even if you end up paying for some of the mortgage, it will help you eliminate or lower your largest expense: housing.

Again, your not totally eliminating your tax. 

The hydrogen peroxide should remove any stains and eliminate the urine odor.

As you found, the cost at most places is so much that it eliminates your cashflow for the year.