Clients who work with me on STRs are given all analysis tools for free (including expensive AirDNA), and I will personally analyze all deals, and guide you through a confusing regulatory environment, as well as help you to find lesser-known honeypot spots around the state.

Everyone's obsessed with "off market deals" but a realtor who knows their stuff will be your true guide in the market.Secondly, I recommend asking those folks for good lenders, and also finding and connecting with other investors in the market (who have nothing to sell you). 

If FNMA, FNMA allows transfer of deed to LLC if mortgage originated after June 1, 2016 and original borrower owns a majority interest in the LLC and any 12 months of owner-occupancy is first met:https://servicing-guide.fanniemae.com/THE-SERVICING-GUIDE/Part-D-Providing-Solutions-to-a-Borrower/Subpart-D1-Assisting-the-Borrower-with-Property-Related/Chapter-D1-4-Transfers-of-Ownership/Section-D1-4-1-Information-Relating-to-Transfers-of-Owner/D1-4-1-02-Allowable-Exemptions-Due-to-the-Type-of-Transfer/1041300841/D1-4-1-02-Allowable-Exemptions-Due-to-the-Type-of-Transfer-09-09-2020.htm

People want and use them and if you don't have them, some folks will pass on booking. 

I am eager to learn more from actual experience, not just books and websites!   

Many investors do this and don’t see issues, but it’s best to proceed carefully and know there’s some risk.You don’t necessarily have to inform the lender, but it's wise to consult a real estate attorney or CPA to guide the process and minimize risk.

I understand equity and cash-flow are related, but what I mean is that I don't need the cash flow right now as much as I'd like to build a strong portfolio that can cash flow even more later on.I've owned a single-family rental for 4 years, but on mulitple fronts I felt like I've done a poor job self-managing it, so this Fall I picked up the Turners' book on managing rentals and that's what led me here to Bigger Pockets online.

@Bracken Bjorn - highly recommend David Greene's long distance investing book! 

There are a lot of nuances with this type of investment, but between Padsplit, your GC, and an agent, they can guide you through your first couple successes. 

Lenders also have interest only options that could help with cashflow especially on acquisitions to allow you to get the listing up, and have your listing gain momentum (some listings start off slow while they accrue bookings, reviews, etc.)