Hi Everyone! I am 36 and well established in Southern California with a career and a house. My wife and I have saved up about $160k, with most of it in investments currently. We have been considering purchasing a property to Air BNB and would like for it be in Monterey or the Pacific Grove area of California. Our goal is to eventually use it as an our home for retirement and also for a getaway in Summers and Winters. 

I have read a few books and I have a degree in Finance. Although, my real estate investment classes were before Air BNB was a thing. 

I have a few questions that are specific: 

1) I see more and more that communities, especially beach communities like Santa Cruz, are trying to push short term rentals out. Do you all feel that this move could be successful? 

2) Does anybody here currently have short term rentals in PG/Monterey area? Can you offer advice? 

3) I have tried looking at current Air BNB properties and it appears that there are not that many in this area? Are they present and just booked? Are they on other sites like VRBO? Or are they getting quashed by the ever present community fear of short term rentals?

4) I was considering getting an investment property loan. I know that I could house hack on my current residence and get the down payment from the equity from my current home as a refi or a second, to hold onto cash on hand and also avoid PMI. Is that what you have all done?

I am new to this community, but I am excited to immerse myself in it. I like to nerd out on these things. 

Thank you all for your help!