Of course, the smaller the property, the more necessary that you see every inch of it because there isn't a business running on top of the land like large-scale multifamily, self-storage, industrial, and more.

Basically just putting a step in the middle of a disallowed transaction that is really only there with no actual profit/business/clean motive except tax avoidance...is not valid. 

Even if you create a non-CA LLC, if you are managing the business from California, you will likely be deemed to be "doing business" in California and therefore likely subject to CA taxes.

Do you work with any specialty tax firms to help us small business owners get access to R&D tax credits, cost segregation and other specialty tax credits?

Looking for some guidance on resources of how to begin analysis or how to build a business of this sort.

Same principles apply - being busy will create opportunity. 

My goal is to grow this business by expanding my investor network and seeking properties that will allow for additional scalability.

You’ll need to treat it like a business—handling tenant management, accounting, legal compliance, property maintenance, and more.That said, when done correctly, it’s a powerful tool for building wealth!

Its not personal, its business. 

These people do not have the time renovate property, launch STR and run the business.