But, we now live across the country and managing from this far just doesn't make sense for us anymore so we are ready to sell.

Rufo, so you are violating the HOA rules so I don't think they would cover anything if it is the fault of your guests.This will eventually catch up with you and could result in some big fines so maybe think of selling this or converting to a LTR instead.

You'll be selling a house that is worth what comps say it is worth. 

Creators are selling contents and we are selling time of the space.

We had to move fast and initially decided to sell it, the relator who was helping us somehow convinced us we should make it a rental property......... and let her be our tenant (insert face palm here) so since we had no real estate experience and we were already moved away, we agreed.

Short of selling my entire portfolio, the liquid capital for the down-payment remains unattainable. 

Seems like the exit plan is to sell to people who are also doing STR?

I have purchased an off-market property from an investor who now wants to sell the rest of his portfolio.

At least half of the videos are probably abject garbage or gurus selling a program.

If I got a home equity loan for Property 1 and used the proceeds as downpayment for Property 2 and then got a 2nd loan for the remaining 75% purchase price for Property 2, when I sell Property 2, can I use the Property 1 loan as part of the cost basis for computing Property 2 capital gains?