There are markets in CA that can work and will require a different strategy than markets outside of CA like Reno, Nevada or the Midwest. 

Not easy to find a strong STR investment that cash flows down in our market with the low inventory and the number of competitive offers - Bravo!

Typical market markup on work orders is 5%.

Its such an untapped market.  

Also, love to work out as much as I can in things like running, bicycle, jumping rope, and lifting weights-no ripped or jacked by any means-but thinking in the long term benefit (like in real estate).

Look at their marketing strategy.

Simply own and live in the home for 24 months of the past 5 years from the date of sale, and receive a tax benefit of up to 250k of excludable capital gains from tax or 500k if married and filing jointly. 

At 4.5 stars, you are really hurting in a very competitive market so you might consider redoing the pics, more themed kids bedrooms and start over.

How does this stack up with your Florida markets? 

My current primary ( scenario 1) Keep the primary for the life of the loan ( current rate is 4.5 so i dont see my self refinancing anytime soon)current home value 1,150,000Loan amount 935,000appreciation estimate 5% per year after a 28 year hold and the house is paid off I would have a house worth 4,312,000$my current mortgage is 6125$ ( piti) included My second option( scenario 2) Sell the house, walk away with $150 ,000 ish in hand and put that into a low cost index fund Rent a house elsewhere for about 3000$ ish and take the extra 3000$ im saving everymonths from not having to pay my mortgage and puting that money in the index fund as well I ran the numbers on both of these scenarios and doing what I mentioned above would break even at about 28 years meaning my stock account would be worth 4.3 million just like my house would , but the only is that holding a house for 28 year would mean 28 years of property taxes, loan interest ,home insurance and repairs etc whick I calculated to be about 1,200,000$ at minimum which raised my eyebrows to say the least Also i understand that each of these options ( stock market vs real estate ) will have there tax consequences ( long term capital gains) so any thoughts on that would be appreciated as well.