Definitely get in touch with @jimmylieu - he is the best local investor friendly agent in the Colombus region.

You have to evaluate based on market, but there are other means of achieving forced appreciate that might make more sense. 

I currently live in Charleston and am a fishing guide by trade so I have a good base understanding of how water moves through salt marsh areas, but it'd make me feel a lot better about this purchase if I could have an expert look at it.

4) any Charlotte based resources that come recommended to help me structure this properly?

Always weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your financial goals and circumstances.

Based on your description of the situation, you're not going to cashflow while you live there, but the question you should really ask is, will it cashflow after you move out? 

(And it seems there's at least some chance it doesn't pass at all, based on the opposition they're setting.)

FYI we've changed our approach entirely and have lower fee initial entry points to avoid the challenges of long term project based arrangements so we can catch issues much sooner.

Demand for short-term rentals is based on emotions, the allure of this view or that amenity or this undefined "feel" or "design" of a place.I'd love a pamphlet that says simply, "Hot tubs increase gross annual revenue by $22,000."

@Yang Zeng Welcome to the Bigger Pockets.As you can see in my profile, my business and hub is in San Diego, not far from you, but all our investments for myself and my clients are in well performing markets in the Midwest.We specially in this out-of-state- approach that really requires more than just the properties.I agree that you should keep a reserve and not spend all your funds but I could help you with 6 properties that would pay you about $5K/ month in cash flow or $60K/year based on your available funds while having about $100K reserve.I like to help you see the performance difference between our area in CA and the Midwest.