Practice building out a valuation model if you haven't.

In general, the "standard" brokerage model is, yes, a pyramid.

He is definitely a person/business that we are trying to model in the general contracting space here in Chicago. 

I am currently in the process of laying the groundwork for an Air BNB Arbitrage Business model specifically targeting the Anchorage/Wasilla region in Alaska.

Eventually there's going to be a site that's good for owners, probably a flat fee model, free for users and the savings will destroy VRBO and Airbnb.

These are income based loans and rates will depend on your credit score and loan to value (LTV).I've seen programs where values determined by AVM (automated valuation model), not a full appraisal. 

Have you looked into the Padsplit model? 

Many of us regularly see aggressively modeled exit caps...and the +10 basis points per year rule of thumb is arbitrary. 

The investment model changed from what I understand, instead of investing in single STR, they created a fund.

You're looking for an AVM "automated valuation model".