The reason I like to refi my existing property is that I can move faster, make stronger offers and get better deals with cash than I can with a nice downpayment and conventional loan.

I would tie this into solar panels to limit the utility cost. 

Is it normal to get these properties under contract and tying the validity of the contract to the result of the inspection?

Most of my savings is tied to my 401k.

I’m just not sure how to pull off working my day job (for the time being) and tie into REI.

We live in the SF Bay Area but my wife has ties to Toledo/Northwest Ohio.  

., considering you are in a C class neighborhood and your hands are tied with regulations why not go section 8. 

Your passion for the STR will directly tie back to the experience you provide your guests, which will dictate your reviews which will end up dictating your occupancy rate which will lead to your true revenue.  

Every deal is different and they may have Title ties which would need to be broken up. 

Yes, it tied up cash that I could now use more effectively.