Most HML's are going to only be able to loan to LLC's or corps due to the Dodd-Frank legislation requirements on consumer loans. 

Almost all of the legislation in the US is driven by special interest groups.

Biggest non-negotiable is they need intimate knowledge of STR and the STR landscape/legislation in the area.

MLB has the best landlord forms and contracts, inexpensive and really good: they are all written by the same attorney who advises the State on landlord tenant legislation and he also is a member of the SEW Apartment Association. 

There has been many bills introduced in congress to make the program much easier, but there is no political will to pass such legislation.

Their latest proposed legislation was quite harmful to STR owners and most management companies, so there was much criticism from several local groups but AirBnB and Expedia are also lobbying heavily against it.  

As we all know, there are individual legislators all across our vast and diverse country who have ideas that they think are great for their constituents. 

I certainly agree, but there are  few cities that see it differently, have passed legislation,  and have effectively removed due process.

Now more than ever it's important that landlords stick together and work together especially on the legislative side, not only for networking and education.

I haven't had this issue, but I'm so fed up with Seattle's anti-landlord legislation, I've pretty much closed up shop here, except for leaving a couple for STR.