In particular, in desirable areas, for permanent/good financing, often 25% down doesn't cut it. 

You'd also cut down on management costs, which are definitely big for STRs.What's the reason behind your choice for short and medium term options over long term?

ZimpleMoney may not cut it from a compliance standpoint if the loan goes to foreclosure.

Since I like wood working, and have made several cabinet boxes for other rentals that needed repair to match existing cabinets, I can always cut new sides & bottoms if/when the presswood starts to deteriorate, and reuse the frames & doors. 

When they see a long list of things wrong with a house it puts them on edge, but I think we all know most are not really that bad.

(California has strict tenant laws and we will not consider a booking without one).Currently there is only street parking for the unit, which we have theorized may be a filter cutting us out of many potential bookings.

The main highway is on the other side which they have already cut access to.Any advice/suggestions/etc would be much appreciated!

I don't think its necessarily cut in stone, especially since they aren't conforming loans so its basically unregulated. 

As we were moving stuff out I told him to put anything that was mostly metal off to the side , and we even cut off cords to lamps .

Ill cut against the grain here.