Right now I have a kid in college and my primary income wouldn’t be any help.

You rarely will get both (at least not right now in this current market).If you want to explore different opportunities within various areas of the Valley, get a seasoned investor-friendly Realtor who is competent. 

In the meantime, I’m exploring creative solutions to access the equity in my home while simultaneously rebuilding a credible and sustainable business.

If cash flow is tight, consider exploring slightly better rent-to-price ratios within your target areas.

As I explore the neighborhoods in NW Philly, any suggestions on reputable agents with experience in those areas? 

While you work on that, you could also explore creative financing options like DSCR loans or partnerships to fast-track your first STR.

In light of this, I have been exploring the possibility of pursuing creative finance options, specifically seller finance deals, as a potential means to achieve my goals.

I became a realtor, what I would love to do is move to a place like Mexico but I have kids still in school. 

Multifamily mindset has recruited students from all walks of life such as teachers, medical doctors, veterans, real estate agents, business men, and I was included into a group (multifamily mindset encourages students to form groups) and one of them is a veteran who is divorced, has kids to support, not employed during that time, got a loan of $40,000 for the tuition.

Some of the family-business real estate companies are starting to move from the (typically) patriarch who started the company in the 90s into the kids who are in their early 40's +/-.