I don't know if they still do it but if memory serves a few years ago TD Bank would do a HELOC on a rental in second position but only if it was titled in someone's personal name. 

The person worked for H&R Block, now works for TurboTax Live and is being honest about their skills: NOT QUALIFIED.

Here’s my perspective based on personal experience.For some context, I’ve been investing in real estate since 2019, primarily in Detroit, while living in California.

If you wanted to fund a portion of the down payment would you suggest a hard money lender, personal loan, etc.?

Matt--what actions/behaviors did you observe that caused your "spidey-sense" to tingle on this prospective tenant?

Seems like a low risk strategy for you to start taking action on your dreams, which is the crucial ingredient towards reaching FI. 

Or should we just establish our LLC and get financing through a DSCR lender? 

It is defined in terms of actions which would not be acceptable to any fair and honest man, or conduct which is monstrously harsh and shocking to the conscience.

I personally don't like getting a lot of automated messages when I rent a STR, I'd rather have some more personal contact.....

Unfortunately, this problem waste a lot of my time that could be spent on other investments.I have used the same tax professional for many years and he is very educated, but also much older than me and it's hard for me to understand all the reasons he has expressed why is better to put the rental on my personal tax returns.