I know they have strict rules they follow..

I live in Carlsbad, and they have strict guidelines for STR properties.

While it's not strictly necessary to have a CPA before starting out, having one can be beneficial in ensuring you're setting up your finances and tax strategy correctly from the beginning.

Most likely, the Homeowners coverage would have a strict windstorm exclusion. 

I have good relations with the owner but they are extremely strict on this because if the deal gets out, they will be more overwhelmed with calls than they already are.I found a tenant who seems on the surface to be a good candidate.

This is doable however my time to find, procure, and renovate rentals is very restricted due to my life on active duty.When looking strictly at the numbers a mortgage provides a better CoCR and a better ROE, but stepping back and looking at more plain facts it seems like leaving the house paid off is the best bet, thoughts? 

If you post the bond and the "dysfunctional" solar company who is very strict in its collection practices makes a claim against the bond the surety is going to make you immediately wire in $52k until the dispute regarding the lien is fully settled.

It’s not easy it’s not fast, but the checks are huge and if you’re serious about doing this strictly to becoming an investor, I would go all hands on deck making all your commission checks go towards your goal using it all to be up your credit, save and put into an income property.

The rest is just noise as the state law will apply.In addition, a jurisdiction can impose more strict rent control rules.  

I was also happy with that as conventional loans at the time were at about 6%.Lowest rates possible will be in relationships with private money lenders.Lowest rates in the public market will be in the form of a conventional loan.Next up you have commercial mortgages that are usually slightly higher than conventional loans but don't have as strict of loan requirements as conventional loans do.Usually a bit higher in rates are DSCR (debt service credit ratio) lenders.