That would make getting approved heaps easier... so much easier that my proposed solution seems fraud-level "gamey" and I suspect a lender would see through it.

Because the accounting and documentation is completely and transparent, this should be a fairly straightforward case and I'm interested in a flat-fee proposal as opposed to an hourly bill rate. 

Requires submittal of property proposal.

Municipalities should be legislating to get them out of residential communities but in turn should define areas where they will be allowed.STRs is a new approach to hotel accommodations that may or may not survive but for those effected they can simply turn them into long term rentals if they wish to stay in business.

I own a 4 unit right beside a mixed zoning plot of land that measures 145 x 95 Imperial with a proposed plan of an 8 unit building. (6 residential, plus 2 commercial spaces on the ground floor)...I wonder if I should buy it and try to find a developer to go in with me.

Likewise the architects proposal should be equally detailed so you know what you're actually getting.

From personal experience and observations of others doing what you propose:  family and business do not mix well.  

Alan if your worried about this.. simply contact your DRE regulator and ask how you submit your proposed business plan with your proposed marketing etc.. and ask them if what your planning to do is a licensed activity. they will respond in writing if they bless your plan then off you go.. other wise this is state specific and as you know wildly controversial.

General contractors who do good work are busy, and they do not give a damn about your "proposed" or "desired" timeline unless you're a bigshot with a historic track record of throwing them multiple $250k jobs per year (oh, and GCs completely ignore "but I'll send you my future business!"

I haven't actually researched this, but a couple of years ago one of my clients stated that the proposed Pawtucket station wouldn't receive regular train service.