You will pay extra for short term rentals. 

Have you checked with local permitting to see what is permissable?

No permits pulled yet...

When they get the itch to demo a building (and downtown has a LOT of dilapidated buildings as we both know) they always look into the costs of new construction permits, costs of engineering/designing the structure(s) and getting them approved by the city, and the costs of hiring private construction contractors to build a brand new structure...  

I think REI is a GREAT way to spend that extra time, and definitely a great way to build up wealth for future passive income.  

Extras and improvements may push for a higher rent, but not enough to really justify them. 

(Blacked out names, addresses, ect)Almost all of my extra cash is going into the remodel.

I also use crown moulding in my kitchens and baths and everything at home depot is an extra. 

And while doing research I saw houses with the extra square footage that will be added after finishing the basement going for about 150,000.

Real estate is hard enough without adding the extra trouble of having to also keep it secret.