I recently looked at an existing STR, but either the seller did not track the expenses or they did not want to provide them. 

These areas tend to attract high-quality tenants and provide consistent passive income, which is a great foundation for building your portfolio.If you’d like, I’d be happy to share some insights about these types of markets and why they’re appealing to investors.

The loan is listed on the HUD and they provide lender's title insurance.   

These I have found are real, striving parents, working their butts off to provide the best housing and school system for their children.My ethos in this approach is exactly why we at LaPlante refer to them as Residents, as we consider "Tenant and Landlord" to be dated terms and rife with negative emotion.

You can't decide which one to choose based on the minimal information you provided.

Regarding a HELOC, most banks will only provide a HELOC up to 75-80% of the property value, so you may not be able to access a HELOC for a while.

Great information you provide here.  

My EA and I were able to validate that the discounts provided were better than anything we can find on our own and if you think about it: Instead of going directly to CB2, Wayfair, Rejuvenation, West Elm, etc., you can just buy it all in one swoop through Minoan. 

In the meantime, I would like to gain experience through employment with an existing real estate or property management company.Is there anyone out there that can provide me with some good advice/guidance as to the best and most practical route to achieve that goal?

I've seen it happen countless times, especially from one company here in Birmingham.2 - Hire your own home inspector. do not use any home inspector a turnkey provider recommends.