Based on some quick preliminary research, it seems like it could be a pretty good place for me to start investing.

Are there any on-line government sources of truth for any particular city's future infrastructure/expansion/city planning plans or any private company tracking these initiatives? 

AB 2424 (Schiavo) takes effect on January 1 2025.

The bottom line is that if you want to get into STRs, have a good plan, read everything here on the BP forum and ask some good questions.

On a fixed mortgage, i could pay extra payments (or a one time lump sum payment) and apply it towards principal.

Couple takes on this: Generically speaking, yes it often does make sense to increase your loan amount for monthly savings. 

Are these apps as accurate as they’re made out to be, enough to rely solely on them?

Hi Zach - I'm a real estate agent in KC and my brokerage focuses on investment properties.

Find out what that VA restoration will really cost youSecond, you are making a rookie mistake, one that the gurus play on to make you spend money for almost always useless sessions.

Quote from @Sean Carter: Hey everyone currently active duty military I would love utilize my va loan for investment  purposes don’t know where to start  in GA btw  Sean,welcome to the BP community and congrats on wanting to start your REI journey.