Last thing I'd want is more opinions and oars in the water.

There will be a lot of no's but there are still ways to get them talking (it's in scripts - "Not even for $$$", I'm not calling to lowball you or waste your time", "I'm really just planning for my next one in the next 3-6 months"Get to the details like Capex - age of roof, furnaces, water heaters, central ac units, electrical, any recent updating in kitchens or baths.

3.Hot tub maintenance for short-term rentals: cleaning & water changes?

You have an affordable place to live, about half your mortgage payment is paid by the renter, you get to dip your toes in the investor/landlord waters, and you are in a market that should continue to appreciate in value.I recommend reading and educating yourself while saving up for the next investment.

(The fact that they have the nerve to call it a "High Yield Savings Account" is almost insulting! 

I have a real estate portfolio with good amount of equity (most of the portfolio is free and clear), however my personal DTI ratio is too high and that's stopping me from tapping into it to settle some debts and buy more properties.

The quote I’m getting is for 4200 and that seems a little high.

I've done some localized studies and the numbers of owner occupied buyers versus investor buyers in several of my current markets are 10 to1 ratio and as high as 25 to 1. 

There is also a large restaurant company here that I have been told needs rentals for a shorter term but pays very well to house staff that they bring in from out of town to work for them during high season.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.