How did you set that up?

In a single meeting, I can set those folks on the right path to return to me in a year or 2 ready to buy.You do you though.

Here are some good places to start:http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet - find and connect with other BP members that are in your area.http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts - Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you.And, of course thehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums - ask any question about real estate!

I can set minimum stays on the weekends on Airbnb, but I was not able to find that same feature on VRBO.

You want to get things set-up right on the front end.  

Maximum area for build, with all set backs and regs. met is 30x36.

We now owe 105k on the house, but we aren't set on staying there long term (don't like the back yard, long commute, less than ideal school zone).

Despite pressure to completely gut the house, I am planning a "selective" demo -- pulling up all the hardwood flooring to the subfloor; demo-ing most ceilings and several interior plaster walls but not all -- and no exterior plaster walls except where fire damage took place.

Your LLC will need to be set up by an attorney and prices vary by attorney.

Hard money lenders also don't really like to lend to owner-occupants due to compliance issues, so I guess it depends on exactly how you set up the process.