Warning about designations: CPA, EA, etc.In this post I kept referring to the CPAs, which is a state-issued license in accounting that everybody has heard of.

Who designed the home?

I think part of a design/build company could be cool. 

A CPA is a special designation that is difficult to obtain.You are not able to claim yourself to be a CPA unless you pass all the qualifications.A few amount of the qualifications include1) College degree with a certain amount of credits within accounting / Tax / Law / assurance2) Completing 4 exams in accounting / tax / law / assurance3) complete continuing education courses4) Work a certain amount of time under a CPAThe reason that the person you spoke with being unable to say he / she is a CPA is likely because he / she didn't pass the above qualificaitons.

R-2 is typically designated for a residential zoning, likely higher density / multi-family. 

They did, 4 days later in person, and told us that we were in violation; that short term rentals (less than 7 days) were not an allowable use for our zoning designation, CRO (commercial, residential, office) and that we would be receiving a certified letter to cease and desist.

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

DSCR is designed for this situation.

Another business partner of mine is a marketing pro who helps investors anticipate which properties will book out well and which ones might struggle, provides some creative design tips too, if you're into STRs at all. 

That is how I got started.I also encourage you to listen to the Thanks for Visiting podcast because they are in your city.I hired an online interior designer and gave a per-square-foot budget.