Not for a single airbnb like you are seeking (you and everyone else) but because if you start a BNB or a guest house or a hotel, you can get 40% of your investment back in the form of a tax CREDIT that you can sell for about 90 cents on the dollar. 

• Is this a better strategy than using your own name, capital and credit to start out?

These programs offer options for less money down and in some cases DPA - Down payment assistance.As a banker for over 18+ years I am very skeptical when I hear a new name in the business only because its become tougher to lend with all of the new laws and credit/insurance requirements and regulations.  

Did you finance this deal with a local bank or credit union?

It was a personal referral, received a credit at closing for renovations as well How did you finance this deal?

They have bots that look for every piece of furniture on the internet, create a listing for it, and then have it shipped if you buy it (often at a 2-3X markup). 

We both have good credit but my lender made it seem like there was no getting around putting less than 25% down on an investment property.

I have 880 credit score, decent savings, and no other debt except for 300K mortgage on my primary residence (worth $1.5 million).

We would all love to have that note that has 5 years of perfect payments, 800+ credit score and a 20-25% down payment. 

Most credit issues can be addressed in some way.