I am particularly interested in purchasing my first investment property as a short-term rental (STR).After analyzing recent data from AirDNA, I have identified several promising areas: Douglas, Saugatuck, Fennville, and I am also exploring opportunities around Stevensville and New Buffalo.I understand that regulations around STRs vary widely, and I've taken the time to study city maps to identify areas where they are still permitted.

The exception would be if this was already permitted for STR - short term rentals VRBO then it might be worth it based on location.If you just want to buy a home and have a unit to help cover the mortgage I would still insist on lower price point or NO HOA to help get the total mortgage down so that the other unit covers 50% of the overall payment.  

Does anyone know if I am able to start an LLC and run short term rentals?

I'm looking at a long term appreciation, and in the interim serve as a second home / STR or even LTR.

This one IS zoned for short-term rental.

From the discussion, it would seem that this may go against the terms of the 1031x and that I would need to keep my name on the property too. 

That's significant growth.However, consider these points:Make sure you have reserves for unexpected repairs or vacancies across all properties - THIS IS KEYRun the numbers carefully on the potential house hack and multi-family to ensure they make financial sense.Consider the long-term strategy: Will the potential appreciation and equity build-up in the new properties outweigh the increased costs on the Farmington condo?

The plan is to come in and improve the NOI over the next 12-24 months then implement a strategic cash out refinance and move to long term permanent agency debt.

The NV side in the north has simple regulations although a higher cost of entry.

We provide a simple Weber charcoal grill at our duplex unit for tenants to share, and leave it to the tenants in our single-family properties.