Have you seen any creative financing like that before?

@Zach Howard I am working on a how-to book on Creative Financing now (I am the author of BP's book on Mid Term Rentals) because when I was teaching myself I was frustrated at the lack of clear instruction.

Are there other creative options I haven’t considered?

While you work on that, you could also explore creative financing options like DSCR loans or partnerships to fast-track your first STR.

While I know this isn't a lot in today's market, I believe there are creative ways to make it work.I’m a former foster child who was declared independent as a teen, so I've been living with close friends that I consider family.

Might have to be more creative or use STR 

I can also allow a tenant to grow with me - just moved a family from a two bedroom to a three bedroom apartment.Personally the only reasons I would choose to invest in multiple markets is a) because I wanted an excuse to go somewhere regularly or b) for economic/geographic diversity.I had the advantage that my home market was good.

Buy a 4-5 bedroom house and rent bedrooms.

Most ideal would be seller financing, but open to creative strategies for a cash-flowing property. 

Half a lot and two bedrooms.