However, if you don't have much experience with purchasing real estate, or are unfamiliar with your local area, then it may be beneficial for you to work with an agent regardless of where you are sourcing your deals from.Your agent should be providing value beyond whatever amount they are charging you, and if they're not it may be time to find someone new to join your team!

I've tried calling around to sources that should have the answer and haven't gotten anywhere yet.

You can use the cash value in the policy as a source of funds for financing, and it is an asset and liquid through withdrawals or loan by borrowing against the cash value. 

Jordan - I'm a big believer that many models will work and there are many sources.

When you are 50 , try to get HRT , suddenly it's 24 years old again :-) Back to surfing, MTB,soccer when we're living for free from tenant's cash flow is truly a blessing.

Once that is completed, then run the credit for those that meet the first round of criteria.You can double check but I have not heard you have to prioritize a Section 8 tenant, you just can't reject them because of source of income.

Geo position of home and current fuel source.

You are leaving a lot in the hands of outside sources you don't know well to get an STR up and running.

I typically rely on external sources for experts in finance, accounting, and other areas which I simply am no expert in and am happy to rely on someone else.  

Their accounting feature, which is the primary reason I was coming to it, does not have any ability to import transactions from connected bank accounts via Plaid or other sources.