I wanted to get advice before pitching it and have a solid financing strategy. 

I understand why some people may not like this... but for me, I don't want the hype and platform sales. i want real usable content.

I don't know the Baltimore market but have a friend who is a very savvy investor there and maybe he would do some coaching to help you understand which way is up.

I understand this is a snails pace, however I am still a W2 enployee so all this will be a 2nd job for me.

This is something I aim to understand more about.

There's no precise figure because no one will understand your STR or market as well as you do- or, as well as you will (with time).

Also appreciate your doing it to encourage others.  1) Totally understand where your coming from.

Please note the information provided below is a layman's definition designed to provide a basic understanding for the general audience.

because I was paying my bird-dogs vs having them pay me and just promise how someday, maybe just maybe they will bring the grand-slam of a deal and then I will be paying them oh-so much $$$$$ Seriously, from those buying into this I gotta understand how your mind works, no insult meant, I am genuinely intrigued and baffled because if it's a good deal you can go to any number of investors and get $, not a one will charge you for the opportunity to present them deal. 

Vitaliy, gave you solid advice and did a good job of explaining some of the key issues.