This place has great potential to be renovated into a unique, boutique motel.How do I go about forecasting financials and exploring funding? 

I'm hesitant as I am not too familiar with the state's unique laws and I don't have a network in those areas and they'll have to be created from scratch.

In the real estate business, every transaction is unique and the approach to it may vary.

I highly recommend hiring a local RE attorney to draft this unique document.

A short term rental upstairs would be an amazing idea however the area in tahoe of which we are located is seasonal market as there arent too many things to here besides skiing and winter sports.

It simply means that there are various struggles and challenges out there and as investors, landlords, developers, etc. we are in a unique position to make a positive impact in someone's life. 

Flipping homes is incredibly unique each time, and seasoned investors are constantly learning. 

Anyone with success down here have any recommendations or unique avenues for me to explore besides Facebook and other social media?

However, liquidation is rarely quick and markets are unique.

I am a 27 year old, born and raised in the metro Detroit area of Michigan, a former collegiate gymnast at EMU and Pitt, a current Manager of a CS team at a highly functional Sports Tech company, AND (most importantly) I am officially a new homeowner as of today!