Most will have large scale marketing engines where they spend thousands or tens of thousands a month, and operate or license time in call centers.

Does anyone represent a wholesale lender or is a broker that knows of a lender who finances commercial (multifamily) properties that operate as AIRBNBs?

Most operators post on multiple STR OTAshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/airbnb-calculatorGood luck

Would that lower our tax liability from other income we receive or no because this is purely RE and not an operating business?

Keep in mind that owning rental properties, even if it is a house hack, means operating a business and thus should be treated as one, respectively.

We operate dozens of STR's around Austin.

You also have to build in holding costs, investor capital, operating costs etc.

And all those skills you going to have to learn and master in UK to get a property under control, operate it, market it, monetize, operate etc., ALL 100% translates to anything and everything you will do when back in US. 

I find it a great way to earn additional compensation as long as its a deal I like with conservative leverage and strong operators I trust. 

At the time we received an offer from a reputable short term drug and alcohol rehab facility who operates out of SFHs in LA to rent the entire property at above market rates.