Which will bring plenty of other investors and general business to the area.

They don't understand the math behind any type of financial formula, so they have no idea how to make adjustments to it that allow the deal to work in their favor.I think a big part of this is the generation we live in/with, that is looking for instant gratification. 

I'd seen and been part of several conversations regarding single-color-paint-schemes, and I liked the look and idea of doing it, but after talking with my brother-in-law who owns a successful painting business, and my father, who owned a successful painting business, I decided to abandon the single color scheme.The primary reason behind our choice was what you mentioned.

Looking for some creative advice that hopefully minimizes the tax bite.My business partner and I own two houses free and clear in our LLC.

:)now, here's something... when we bought our house 13 yrs ago i knew nothing about remodeling. so when taking the wall paper off on one wall, 4 layers of wallpaper came off and some of the plaster. had no idea how to patch it, so we bought a bhear texture paint in a can that you apply with a special roller. and then we painted on top, so the bumps are smooth.so now, we have one accent wall in the house that's texture and everyone that walks in thinks it looks like art because we added some shapes that do not have the texture. even plasterers have commented on stealing that technique.. :)

The mortgage business is notoriously difficult, investor and lender guidelines (bank rules) are complex and vary among investors, generally speaking, brokers are not lending their own capital and the liaison on concierge gate keeper. 

I personally don't like STR's because they are more of a business than an investment(in my opinion).You didn't mention the amount of hours that you and your spouse work but I would have to assume it be between 1900 to 2200 hours assuming you work 48 weeks and between 40 to 50 hours a week.If you buy a STR and self-manage it, you are added 200-300 hours per year in additional work making your life more stressful and less time to do things that you enjoy.Best of luck. 

Any help on ideas or best places would be greatly appreciated.

I consider myself to be a 'out of the box' strategist that is continuously looking into different business venture.  

If you decide to move into that unit once you close though, that's your business.