I'd also welcome any alternative views to challenge my current thinking!

I'd also welcome any alternative views to challenge my current thinking!

Another option is to open a solo 401k if you qualify and the brokerage account can comes with a checkbook for placing alternative investments such as notes and real estate.

I've heard of people trying similar things, you'll likely still run across people who don't read the rules and use the kitchen whenever they please, hell I have my check in and check out time posted on the listing, within the welcome message and on my welcome pamphlete and people still ask me what time they can check in and check out.If you're going to block out the kitchen from use then that is certainly possible, however, a home that large is a benefit to typically families, and they will more then likely want to cook which is one of the main reasons large units do so well as vacation rentals because their niche isn't easily filled in any other hospitality alternative.

The alternative can result in months of project delays, legal fees and fighting among contractors.

The more you expose yourself to the area of your liking, you will learn whether you made a right choice or a bad one.I settled in the north Bronx- Woodlawn, and that is a 40 minute commute to Yankee stadium.  

Hello, I am a real estate broker with Best Choice Realty LLC.

Who is your hard money lender of choice?

I like @Jeffrey Hotz idea of whitewash (an alternative would be Behr antique white solid... it's an amazing interior color too!).  

The kitchen and fireplace also look like you made some good choices.