After doing this, I then run the property through Airdna.co and/or Mashvisor.com Both of these tools will give you projections of what type of rental rates, price per night, bookings, occupancy, seasonal variations, etc.

Does anyone have a recommendation to a insurance carrier who has good rates?

If the software is not simplifying your life or making you more accurate, you shouldn't use it.Software does have extremely helpful features like online payments, marketing syndication (click a button, and your property is advertised on multiple sites), electronic document review/signing, maintenance tracking, and owner reports.

Craft a polished Airbnb listing with stunning photos, detailed descriptions, clear guidelines, competitive rates, and enticing perks.When running your Airbnb, the key is to focus on making sure guests have a great experience.

If I do the work unpermitted by a licensed contractor, is it illegal to advertise it based on the added bedrooms?

Most of it is upfront, there are insurers in Raleigh that can get you a better rate for an LLC.

@Jeremy Rosen I am a little interested in STR but have concerns about occupancy rate, chaos from being in the same building as the renters, and the capital to not only buy, but also, furnish the STR. 

The family upgrade, the "just because" bigger home buyer, the empty nester downgrades, the 2nd home, etc are choosing to wait and see, due to news of inflation and interest rates.

My own belief on RE is that we are in a more challenging period than 2012 to 2021 largely due to rate hikes.  

If you have properties, a great way to promote them is with Facebook Lead Form Ads, advertise the specific property (or better yet, a list of properties) and it will attract buyers.