Definitely will want to add insulation and all utilities depending on what your plans are for it .

Explained the situation and he said it may be a challenge to get another conventional loan (investment loan is being considered as well but; Family loan = plan A, bank loan = plan B).We want to keep the property we live in now (since Oct 2023) and rent it out when we leave.

I plan to tour the home this week.

High insurance costsIf you have done all of your due diligence and it is a really good deal find a partner with the capital or put the cash in yourself.

Other people in the lending space might have better answers, but some lenders quote taxes, insurance, etc. to fully understand the monthly cash burden and ensure you know it as well.

Have you ever looked at any of your insurance policies in detail, or if you live in an HOA have your read it in detail?

Taxes and insurance do go up over time, but the bulk of your monthly payment will stay the same even with high inflation.

NO  longer had insurance I couldn't pay my rent and I couldn't actually move either,  the state was aiding me. 

You are on the right track but remember each specific STR market / local area is going to have some tweaks - one thing I noted is that for the markets you are looking at can vary with temperatures - some different expenses/planning for areas that can have winters (snow, etc) that wouldn't be standard in other markets

I just upgraded to the pro plan and looking to connect with local investors.