Refresh your description by highlighting unique features, nearby attractions, and any new amenities added.

So now is a good time to buy if you leverage your ability to put a good amount down and close...that is attractive to sellers that are eager to get out of their property. 

Therefore, I have a hard time committing to a house hack which contributes greatly to my problem of raising capital for a conventional mortgage with a 20%+ down payment instead of alternatives such as an FHA. 

We aren't zoned for a campground or RV park nor do we want to pursue changing the zoning to that, but keeping it low-key and low-density it doesn't attract attention, nor are we putting massive cap ex into it.

Consider saving the 40-60k and maybe just spend a little extra on cozying up the place and making it more attractive. 

These easy cosmetic value adds get your rents/cashflow up and create some equity while also attracting the best tenants. 

All with 55% down.Generally speaking, a location that is near a National Park or major attraction(s) are going to be the better locations for STRs. 

Things have to go really bad from here, as I see it, for the office to underperform alternatives in the next few years, from a cash flow perspective. 

Alternatively if you feel confident in the higher value, I would ask if the lender is open to doing an independent appraisal ordered by an AMC instead of a desktop one. 

I would not invest in real estate with a retirement account.Its too much of a headache and likely not that much better as an investment alternative within a retirement account1) Real Estate provides tax benefits for individuals who own them.