So I live in CA and the laws and regulation here can be crazy.

In fact, according to a recent study, regulation “imposed by all levels of government accounts for an average of 40.6 % of development costs (NAHB, O’Leary).”

I think the major branches of STR that owners need to know are -Financing, Market Research (you technically have it already in Cape Coral), Property Selection (what makes good STRs, regulations, analyzing, etc.), Designing and Furnishing (amenities, design, theme, linens, etc), and operating (Insurance, Property management or self-management, Tech & Tools, Cleaners & handy people, etc)All of these could be covered depending on who you work with that can cover each topic. 

SC Coastal towns have gotten very strict with licensing, regulating, and permitting for STRs.

You're treading in RESPA-infested waters there and these are federal, not state regulations.Referral fees for ANY closing services on residential loans are strictly prohibited under RESPA regulations. 

As best you can find out the regulations and if possible the sentiment of the community. 

Every county has different requirements, such as minimum square footage for rooms; maximum number of occupants, hallway sizes (If there will be residents in wheelchairs); and safety regulations which are usually different that owner-occupied homes (for example- Interior fire sprinkler systems).  2.

I know they have regulations but it seems from the government website you can operate in commercial zones (C-2 C-3 C-4 C-5 UGCCC, IX, RF, RV, CX, SH).

I would talk to a lender about the 3.5% FHA rules and regulations as far as the self-sufficency test goes. 

We have everything you need to manage ready in a can: photography, advertising, application, leases, rules and regulations, smoke detector notices and all other forms you need and background check (we do this a lot).