In both cases to keep things clean for underwriting at the bank I used my HELOC to secure the mortgage. 

This ensures a clean transition of ownership and responsibility for insurance purposes.

deep clean, moisture barrier in crawl space, maintenance to HVAC What was the outcome?

These days as you mention with STR almost everything can be handled remotely...cleaning, painting, locksmith, yard care, even drive by pictures of the house occasionally or internal pictures too. 

Two, you'll have a much easier time obtaining a mortgage product if you have a track record of W2 income.In the meantime, continue implementing the strategies you mentioned: save religiously, build your credit, pay any existing debt owed, etc.

To name a few: lawn mowing business, marketing agency, video production company, acting career, window washing, SEO services, improv comedy, music production, painting, drawing, guitar, blogging, and photography.

Great product but can be pricey monthly

I'm sure you'll get differing opinions but this sounds more clean and simple to me.

The other flag was Lee pitching one product or another every other day!

In my experience, most have limited product offerings.