I advertise mid term via non-STR platforms, in my case, sabbaticalhomes.com & the university off-campus housing sites.

I would explore the option of applying for a heloc so you can keep your current loan in tact and use that cash for a down payment on your next home.

My husband and I have been in the same boat for a few years.

Mortgage rates in less than 3.2% across properties so definitely favoring HELOC.

I can tell you first hand that the people building new houses in my sub-division are here 7 days a week.

The remaining $1.2M has not yet been accounted for.I can easily find more investors to fill in the remaining $1.2M, but I was wondering if there are banks that lend money to syndicates that could fill in the last $1.2M at least in part?

I don't recall a tenant getting a say in this.

I see it every day in my fundings I do in 8 markets. 

It is in my book (available in January) and the score sheet is part of my forms package available for purchase.

Two parts in the process that you went through:1.