This is my first major rehab and I'm trying to be creative about stretching my budget.

This just protects our investment until probate is finished.Get creative with your offers you never know what will interest a seller.Have a conversation and find out their needs if you can before making offers.

I paid off the loan to cure the DOS.There are a couple of "subto's gone bad" over in the creative finance forum. 

I am of the opinion that the best STRs are properties that don't compete with hotels - meaning that they are 4-5 bedrooms for large groups or have a unique location/setting. 

If you still want to rent out your other bedroom you can have a tenant in the opposite side AND a roommate which would give you two income streams.

Some complaints I've gotten is that my unit only has one bedroom and is small square footage wise.

I'd target areas near colleges or transit hubs for affordable properties, and I’d look into financing options like FHA loans or creative financing to make the most of my capital.

If they’re really in a bind, you could even explore something creative, like seller financing or a subject-to deal (where you take over their mortgage payments).

I imagine some may have a better view, more bedrooms, or more amenities. 

That said, depending on your business, you can definitely get creative with tax deductions for your RV or boat.One thought—it’s too bad you’re not considering the RV as your primary residence.