We have to check it out in person to see if we would stay at those STR as well, but with Ca travel restriction, we can’t go anytime soon :( 

So while initially net-zero was definitely restricted to the realm of luxury, state-of-the-art, expensive home building, lately it's become more associated with affordable and low income housing, in this area at least.

This upcoming change from FNMA will restrict lenders to a maximum of 7% of their loans as investment properties and second home transactions.

Are there any restrictions as far as how long this home has to be a investment property before I am allowed to do a 1031?

You are restricted geographically by the coast and it's a place people want to be so long-term you can't go wrong (as long as you have hurricane insurance). 

If your lease requires you to collect a non refundable pet fee, I would impose it

really depends on how much money, but if the aim is to grow quickly and focus just on real estate for the money in the short term, be careful of retirement accounts where the restrictions limit your liquidity.

With the government imposing moritoriums, its a safe strategy to have month to month leases.

There are specialty products that allow for 5% down up to 4 units, but there are income restrictions based on your MSA, but the short answer is yes.Stephanie

However, there are (were) a number of new regulations and restrictions on short term rentals which dissuaded us from investing in the market.