The best bet is to talk to a small local bank (or three) about your options.

The most benefit for Real Estate in the US now would be smart contracts to exchange Title,Notes, Funds (stable coins) since the transaction time is super fast compare to our bank system today.

Local meetups. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521Explore Auctions and Foreclosures: Properties in your price range may be available through local auctions or bank foreclosures.Partner with an Investor-Friendly Agent: An agent familiar with BRRRR deals can help you find off-market listings or properties about to hit the MLS.

I’m just trying to get a sense of how common this issue has become and how other STR hosts in urban areas are handling it.

Large banks will underwrite the collateral with far more scrutiny than they will the borrowers, but the borrowers will need to meet NET Worth requirements, liquidity requirements, Credit Requirements, but are often a tad lighter on experience requirements. 

@Ben Azubuike it's technically too late to add anything else if you've already signed a purchase contract.You can try to negotiate with the seller for review of:LeaseRent LedgerTenant approval criteriaAt closing you also want acceptable copies of tenant's: DL, SSN, paystub, bank statement, phone & email.

Eventually called up my bank to stop this fraudster named Kai and ask for refund, but the bank can only credit the most recent charge per their policy.

Live in new home while it appreciates for 10 years until I get a faculty housing spot, sell private market house, put proceeds (minus downpayment) in bank for retirement (I estimate this will be 1.3 mil before capital gains and real estate fees based on 7% growth in a very desirable Southern California location), and take out new loan for lower cost faculty housing.

Investing in a fix & flip or BRRRR strategy: I have about $75,000 in my bank account that I could use to acquire and renovate another property, which could help me build more capital.Which option would you recommend for maximizing my investment potential?

Lastly, plopping down 5% points for a marginal savings on a monthly payment might not be the most effective use of those funds, maybe being able to buy the next a bit quicker would generate a higher return for the cash.and no, I do not believe we will see rates below 5%, and the fed has never had any control over mortgage rates with the fed funds rate as that is the shortest possible rate overnight borrowing between banks.