I also have zero interest in positioning ourselves as a “value” offering in an industry where top performers can 2x + the cheaper companies. 

I personally would wait for a correction before exchanging the money.Furthermore, if your real estate investments perform slightly more than real estate(1% to 5%), you can make up for the deferred return + penalties over a couple of years. 

I would not necessarily give up the deposit (if you have one) until a move-out inspection is performed so that there is some security for damages caused to the property.

If you use it as it is intended, yes it will out perform a lower fixed rate 30 year mortgage.

I'll be performing the BRRRR within the single-member LLC, so that will be my primary LOC.  

In terms of getting into apartment complexes and large transactions - it's much easier than you think.Real estate is filled with opportunities to deploy capital, but in the same time is filled with fast-talking snake oil men that will happily take your money towards a "fund" so you own a portion of a large portfolio... only to find out the fund's performance is below par, your money is locked out, and the only person making money is the fund manager from the management fee they've locked you into. 

The red tape is extensive.

Your best bet is to get a high-performing real estate agent to market your property for you.

I really like to keep a close watch on my investments and living within access to them is the best way to insure the property performs to my standards. 

Traditionally, DSCR loans that allowed STR have always wanted DSCR to be calculated on long term rental rates OR 12 months of actual performance or some heavily hair cutted version of Air DNA and all of these products would price gauge on rate.