To provide our buyers the greatest probability for success, we cast a wide net to evaluate ALL vacation rental prospects and narrow it down to the handful that meet the search criteria. 

I have been searching for (preliminary) courses.

If it’s a good deal based on the comps, and in a good location, then I’d look into a conventional loan and maybe putting a little more down so that it cash flows.

The rule is based on if it's "within the primary dwelling unit" of the taxpayer or not. 

But I agree with your initial statement that when you sell to yourself, you don't need a NEW title search or NEW title insurance. 

Maybe they bring the experience and provide the funds.I don't like any of your options based on I think you are too new to investing in real estate to take on any of those.

I'd hop on Airbnb as a guest, search the area the potential property is in, and find some properties that are somewhat comps (similar location, amenities, size, etc.) and connect with the host hosting the property.

Are you basing this solely on what you can afford, or what you intend to make on it, or your target sale price? 

You just go to a search and put in "Nebraska Attorney General Complaint"  for instance if you are in Nebraska.

You say you're based out of Vancouver yet your profile says Seattle.