@Mark Adams, you are attempting to enter one of the most competitive fields of any real estate related business.  

Shop Around: Compare rates from other commercial banks, credit unions, or online lenders to find competitive offers.5.

I only advise people to get into short-term rentals IF you are going to make it your ONE THING and go all in on that...having to set up all the necessary systems is a HEAVY lift and not worth it without scale...I have done it and not at scale and it was not worth the hassle. 

I am living on the SE side which is ultra-competitive currently.

Competition is higher, potentially resulting in lower rental yields compared to Cleveland.

A 4 bedroom unit would be in the $100K range.This means I'm looking for older homes in the older parts of the city.The buildings may be more rundown and need some extra maintenance but it makes it easier for me to get cashflow out of them.Your approach should always be to find deals, offer 15-20% under asking price, be prepared to negotiate, and lean on your team of experts for the heavy lifting. 

How is so many Erics' competition more insurmountable than that of your every day REA and Brokers?

This could make your ADR less competitive, but if marketed correctly I'm betting that people might perceive more value, which keeps occupancy at least the same.I'm thinking of a model where you tell guests they have "add-ons included" like grocery delivery, prepared breakfast package, attraction tickets, inner tubes, etc.

Nothing but competition and lack of inventory driving prices up.

I just had clients lose a home in the Denver suburbs a competitive situation reminiscent of 2021/2022.