As a family-run business we’re curious—what factors do lenders prioritize most when evaluating projects like ours?

Unfortunately most CPA's have not lived through more realistic income tax bracket environments such as the 50s 60’s 70s and 80s……so what I’m saying here is not something that most investors, business-owners, high net worth families, or REI investors are thinking about.

STR's don't create real estate value they are a business  I have a dozen and am building 2 more this year so I like the business model and I have over 100 regular rentals.   

Most of the time a newer or unsuccessful agents will host open houses as they build their book of business.

I'm a small business owner and my partner has a corporate job. 

A personal liability policy "MAY" extend to one or two rentals but if you are planning on building a portfolio consider the commercial umbrella.Another thing to consider is that the courts frown on carry high personal liability but low business liability when trying to hide behind the vail.

Trusted by 50+ businesses across [region/industry]."

Definitely open an LLC if you haven’t done so already and once you have a couple under your belt, you will have lenders lining up for your business.

I live in Phoenix and my business partner and I put on a couple local forums for investors like yourself to network.

Don't apologize, don't explain how the 'chosen' tenant was more qualified than they were, wish them well in their search.You're running a business and you've made a business decision.