Even if that is accurate, it seems there is plenty of equity to be had, but we are having trouble securing a loan for a STR.My mom lives on the ground floor of the house and Airbnbs the 2nd floor (with it’s own entrance).

The vast majority of lawsuits against Landlords are for wrongful eviction, security deposit disputes, and Fair Housing Violations.

You will just need a signed lease and possibly a security deposit/first month's rent prior to closing on the refinance since the appraisal will mark the property as vacant. 

Leveraging Marina's local market expertise, we secured the property for $35,000.

Leveraging Pat's local market expertise, we secured the property for $220,000.

Leveraging Seth's local market expertise, we secured the property for $195,000.

Leveraging Graham's local market expertise, we secured the property for $162,500.

Your enforcement remedies under law are: 1) deliver a notice to pay per F.S. 83.56(3), 2) make a claim on the security deposit when they vacate per F.S. 83.49, and 3) seek collection of unpaid rent through lawsuit or collection company. 

I have some thoughts to your question:1) Maintenance service plans (requires agreement with preferred vendor, or if you have maintenance staff, through your company)2) Landlord liability insurance through third-party insurance providers (note: this is in addition to a Dwelling Policy, which the owner should already have)3) Lawn maintenance service programs (requires agreement with a vendor for agreed-upon pricing, or if you have lawn staff to provide this service, through your company)4) Fee in lieu of security deposit (requires agreement with insurance company that provides this service)5) Increased inspection options (e.g.

My partner are thinking to buy it first and THEN bring in the developer, but securing it ourselves first...Just trying to figure out the best logistics of all this...