While I don’t plan on flipping the house, I intend to use the property for short-term rentals (STR), and based on my research, it seems like it will perform well either as an STR or a long-term rental (LTR).Any ideas on how I can source the financing or recommendations for better lenders would be greatly appreciated!

Quote from @Lorraine Hadden: As we close out 2024 and look forward to 2025, NAR released its 2025 list of top performers in 10 metro markets.

IF you are going to down that path, focus on building relationships with key investors in town and top performing CRE agents.

There is no additional valuation for the STR business.In the end, past performance is not an indicator of future success.

@Alex Saidenstat what are the odds you'll get a 12 month performing tenant in a $65k house?

I personally own properties in these areas, and they’ve been performing well in terms of cash flow! 

What we learned, through quite frankly our own difficult times, was that no one sells a well performing property if it comes without a headache. 

. - For Private Lenders:- Vet investors based on their experience, reputation, and past performance. - Clearly define the terms of the partnership to avoid misunderstandings. - For Both Parties: - Use legal agreements to outline roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing. - Communicate openly and regularly to build trust.

If those earnings didn't stay the same or increase, that could leave the lenders with folks that go bankrupt trying to pay for a property they can't make perform like you did.

Assuming you're getting into deals that can perform above what the market will deliver (the only reason you would do this), there is still going to be a lot of work involved.