Tampa for example, the most desirable STR's are also very desirable to owner occupants (near beaches, near downtown, etc). 

To the nuts and bolt question of what defines occupancy, it is the place you reside and spend the majority of your time/nights.

Typically will be rent by rent strategy (which is tough for none owner occupants) or College rental.   

“BUT” up to 60% occupancy all of the cash flow goes to the bank for PI which is good.   

Factor in a 90% occupancy rate.  2.  

Historically in EBR, though, once the exemption is in place, it is unlikely to be removed unless the property is reassessed, there is a complaint, or some other action occurs to bring non-owner occupancy to light, such as buying a new primary residence in the parish.

Nothing illegal about doing that, but if caught, the lender may call the loan due and if you don't correct the situation or pay the loan off, they willstart mortgage foreclosure.3) You could also go the HELOC route to tap the equity in the home, but the 12-month owner-occupancy will also apply AND the interest rate on the HELOC will fluctuate with the Fed Fund Rate.4) You could do a cashout refi as an investment property, but that will be at an interest rate 0.5-1% higher than owner-occupied rate.Suggest you meet with 2-3 lenders to explore your options about the above.Once you have access to funds, recommend you buy a 2-4 unit with 20-25% down. - You can buy owner-occupied, live in one unit, and fix up and rent the other unit(s).- If you're handy, recommend buying a property in the worst condition you can tolerate.

Regulations in Nashville allow owner occupied STRs if you are truly an owner occupant.

Here in UT we have strict occupancy limits in college towns of 3 unrelated people per unit.

Sometimes occupants still live there and eviction is not easy, and I have even heard a story once that the yakuza are involved in the construction and real estate business and exorted money from buyers through occupants in these properties.