I would greatly appreciate any experiences, advice, or considerations that could help me weigh these options more effectively.

Putting appreciated assets into an S corp can trigger gain. 

We are pretty much determining which move would be the best to help us get a first property and how either option would be best in helping us kickstart our portfolio with all considerations. 

There are obviously less considerations in a vacant land transaction than that with an improved parcel of land, but you still need to ensure that the material terms/conditions reflect your wishes. 

I think the 1% rule is still useful for consideration but not the end all be all.

Early in 2024, Blackstone was also able to sell the Arizona Biltmore to a UK-based fund for over $1 million/key.These deals signify that, for motivated buyers, financing costs are not as important a consideration as the location or a strategic rationale to own a property in a preferred market.Borrowers of two high-profile portfolios decided to stop supporting their loans, so industry participants are assessing the likelihood of these properties trading.

Due to the rising cost of financing, the deal fetched an 8% cap rate, typical for transactions in this size range.As we move through the first quarter of 2024, the $180 billion in retail loans maturing between 2024 and 2026 presents a significant consideration for the market.

I am such a newbie at this STR consideration and am willing to admit such. 

I've taken your advice under consideration.

They can provide insights, potential challenges, and important considerations that might not be immediately apparent.Remember, patience and persistence are key when searching for financing options.