A lot of those new inspection laws were put in place for construction safety, all in response to building collapsing's and high reports of property damage.Mainly dealing with development teardowns and excavations but if you see that as a con, every state or city is going to have one whether its high property taxes, friendly tenant laws, no appreciation, red tape.. etc.

First off you need to make sure it's in a USDA zone.

If appreciation and cashing out is your goal, maybe that means planning out the reduction of your taxable liability and researching Qualified Opportunity Funds / Zones. 

The majority of properties that are zoned for STRs with city codes, are sold extremely quickly and are usually 'off market' properties.

If so, that's a red flag.There is money to be made in rural areas.

Worse area than other options but not war zone.

So, answering a hypothetical with a hypothetical, if you bought a Ferrari would you buy a Red Ferrari or a Silver Ferrari?

The best way to do it is to put it towards your closing costs or else it will put up red flags with your lender.

What documentation is typically needed for planning and zoning?

I am purchasing my first investment rental property, which happens to be in an Opportunity Zone in Denver.