There were even anti-development people from outside the community that came to try to shut it down. 

Thankfully our governor here in Alabama recently passed anti-squatter legislation. 

This is why so many companies are leaving states like California.Pro-business environment: Companies want to focus on their core business, not fight anti-business policies.Significant infrastructure: Companies favor cities with substantial airports, freeway systems connecting to other cities, and more.

Is it advantageous, or is it difficult and anti-foreigner with extra stamp duty and such?

Anti-money-laundering laws are largely to blame.  

In general I am anti-arbitrage but for something so unique it may make sense. 

Furthermore, California has a very anti-landlord and anti-real estate investor government that can cause you all sorts of other problems as well. 

Last year was the first and only year we had a negative cash flow, and that is driven by the anti-landlord west coast sentiment.  

Short-term rentals are becoming oversaturated in certain markets plus anti-STR legislation is resulting in some of those properties also converting to long-term rentals.You already have the operations experience by self-managing.

The  rent controls or extremely lopsided anti investor is to join apratment associations and band together. https://www.naahq.org/advocacyYou can sign up for national apartment association or just google your local state oneshttp://rentalhousingsurvivalfu...