Also -without an in service rental, you have no schedule on your tax return on which to deduct those expenses. 

This could potentially meet your financial needs by itself as well as provide start up money to do flips or purchase buy and holds

The challenge we're facing is the lack of short term rental data for the appraiser, and we won't know if it will meet the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) requirements until the appraisal is complete.Has anyone dealt with a similar situation?

This is to meet the U.S. govt requirements.  

To give you an idea of what taxes look like on a sale below is an example for a property in Texas, obviously everyone's situation is unique and you'll need to meet with a CPA. 

Pick a screening platform/application that makes sense for you.As for meeting the applicants, I recommend meeting them at the property to show the place to them rather than getting coffee or food with them.

A full schedule should be mentioned once the final plan and scope of work are discussed.

You have the tools and mindset that work with larger scale commercial so I would network until you meet someone who may let you run some of their deals with them and see what they look like in person.

I’m here to learn as much as I can, meet like-minded people, and get advice on making a solid first deal.

Start by scheduling a walk-through to assess the property and confirm renovation needs.