This would mean I am effectively financing a mortgage for the price of rehabing the property.

The new Airbnb laws going into effect Jan. 1 outlaw STRs in a place that isn't your primary residence. 

Proper insulation is key to effective cooling and efficient use of electrical power.That said, a dedicated circuit for a microwave / range hood may be overkill, but could be viewed favorably by prospective buyers.You'll probably want GFCI breaker protection for the kitchen outlets, as well.You mentioned the house has oil heat.

I'm just getting started (one duplex in Nashville) but already I can see how it can be an effective tool to save more, invest more, and become financially healthy. 

I have story after story of the effectiveness of a mastermind.

If you were to offer them up to the investor community at large to fill in the gaps, that may fill some voids in their schedule.It's definitely been challenging for me to find reliable, cost effective labor in the area. 

36 year old newbie to real estate investing, my parents have owned a few vacation rentals and their large family owned ranch has branched out and now owns some commercial real-estate.I'm a visual effects editor working in Hollywood living in Sherman Oaks, CA.

Good article to read.http://bit.ly/2fqHT2f

You are correct that if it is left undisturbed there is no harmful effect,  where the issues occur is when removing them or if the are broken and the dust gets into the air. 

The most effective, so far, is co-selling, but eventually, I would like to be able to keep all my efforts.