@Helena Goyvaerts it will be tough without 2+ years of USA tax returns showing you are profitable.Higher interest rates have negatively affected most lenders and many of them are getting more aggressive with offering more flexible programs. 

I have noticed a lot of investors are seeking out cities that are offering lower priced lots and simply adding a Modular or Manufactured and capturing a very nice cash flow.There is a new trend starting in Florida and in other states where an investor buys a piece of land or lot and add a 'Tiny Home". 

Regarding getting started, I recommend finding an STR owner who's overwhelmed or just worn out with managing their property, and perhaps who's also not using a dynamic pricing tool, and then offering to manage it for a very small cost. 

It'll be easier to start with a turn-key property, but if you have a good contracting team, a value add will typically offer better returns. 

This helps you determine what offer makes sense to you.

For pricing- take a look at listing nearby your home on furnished finder and FB marketplace to determine what market rents are and the features and amenities being offered. 

Central Florida, especially Clermont, Orlando, Lakeland, and Tampa suburbs like Riverview and Wesley Chapel, offers solid rental demand with strong growth.

I found this quote that you posted:  "Also proud to say our quads and duplexes (which are rarely offered by other builders) have not only exceeded our estimates for rent & rent growth but value growth as well."

Did anyone do business with Allegiancy's other DST offerings, and if so, how are they performing? 

If you take the heloc to pay off siblings, I would still offer a big "Cash Now" discount so that they get paid quick.