They are going to finance you based on your loan to value, experience, and liquidity. 

There's a lot of other things to consider here but I'll go through your list and make some suggestions based on 10 years of investing across various asset classes - single family, multifamily, industrial, storage, retail, office, etc. and I've had experience with section 8 housing, BRRRR, flips, etc.Purchasing rental properties?

Here’s what I recommend instead:Offer Value Beyond Price: Rather than just lowering your rates, focus on adding value to the guest experience.

I would love to talk with you to hear of your experience with him.

I do have monthly mortgages to be paid and not having rental income to offset my negative cash flow has been a learning experience and really trying to think of what options I have to have better success at this.

However, we will likely need a property manager to assist with some facets of running this rental (since we would not live locally) and would primarily market it through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO to start, (eventually setting up a direct booking process).Here's our question for those who have experience in STR's or who might be involved in a similar scenario: How challenging is it to meet the material participation hours needed to achieve active status?

I am in it and feel it is worth it as they have groups all over the country who, with experience transaction coordinators and funding groups, and even closers to help you along the way.

From my experience, section 8 tenants will go above and beyond to maintain their section 8 support if it becomes at risk.  

With experience, they have the right systems in place and know what doesn't work. 

Quote from @Matthew Brown: I'm looking to find others invested in the Fairway America Vivo Rancho Cordova syndication deal to discuss their experience with this investment and Fairway America, overall.