For example there are strict guidelines in Los Angeles for STRs.2.

But also note there is a wrinkle in that if investing in Las Vegas, the state of Nevada is the rare state with pretty strict regulations and licensing requirements for DSCR, so a lot of national platforms don't lend DSCR in Nevada. 

If you are being too strict, then you may need to lower your price to find someone that meets your requirements. 

For those who have flipped houses in multiple cities across Texas or Florida, which ones stand out as being on either end of the spectrum in terms of how difficult and time-consuming the permitting process is? Are the...

Fortunately, my career allows me to spend $2600 per month on rent in the event I can't find any tenants, but it would be seriously stretching my wallet without being able to save (This isn't including HOA, insurance, or any other fees- strictly mortgage payments).

Long Beach has strict rental restrictions for STRs so you would want to make sure you are looking for a homes within the right zoning. 

NY is still great but landlords need to:- proceed with caution- read Brandon Turner's books - implement strict requirements and systems for tenant screening and property management

Sure, your corporate veil protections are tied to how strictly you follow detailed practices, but the IRS could care less I imagine, as long as the return is correct.I mean, so what if you file as S-Corp?

Commercial loans are typically shorter terms with a balloon payment at the end of the term and are more strict regarding the cash flow and investor/owner finances/assets. 

Another option if this is strictly for investment purposes, you could try to go DSCR. we have one lender that will allow for 1-4 units (inv. prop solely) who will go as low as 620 fico, but your LTV may be limited to, say, 70%. qualifying would be based on the rents received, not off your $100k income. there are options out there, keep working at it and get a 2nd opinion even on a full-doc loan. hope this was helpful to some degree!