It requires a higher down payment and remote management, which can be harder without a strong team.House hacking with a VA loan is better for hands-on management; DSCR is great if you're ready to start from a distance.From a tax perspective, if you intend to qualify as REPS or have material participation in STR, being overseas will prevent that.

But I have a guest coming on 10/12 that is already trying to get a refund because an unnamed storm *may* materialize.  

Backup alternative in this area is redevelopment to condos if an owner preferred that route.

Alas - I learned every step of the way about ordering materials, working with contractors, scheduling, insurance issues, etc.

Anyone have experience with this alternative creative financing vehicle? 

Additionally, I have access to cabinets, doors, and other materials through trades with a friend and uncle who own 100+ doors between them, but still budgeted funds for replacements if they can't offer some. 

Alternatively you have your quote and would make the repairs for $XXX...it seems this has somehow turned into a tenant right that simply doesn't exist.

That's not the alternative that I had in my mind.

Most of the bids I got from them were wildly over the top for the job needed, and they'd typically tell me they couldn't get an alternative bid.

Alternatively, you can try and figure out your DTI (debt-to-income ratio), that should give you a general idea as well.