Their fees and interest rates were high, but they had the least restrictive approval terms from what I gathered.

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HELOC= short term useFixed (first or second) = long term use like a down payment.  

I would have asked you what your long-term goal is but you have already thought about it.

Some investors also use a business line of credit backed by their cash flow, which can help with future deals.If you’re planning to scale, maybe start stacking that cash for the next property or even park some in T-bills for short-term returns.

I am looking into my STR options but from what I have learned this is a overflowing market in the area and the vacancy's are increasing so I may look into mid term and long term only.

I would like to find a way to generate additional income and am exploring options other than having a long-term roommate.

If your goal is financial freedom, which is a long-term goal, not so much.Financial freedom is a long-term proposition, not a one-time event.

Until the conditional use permit is applied for, an operator of a short-term rental is required to apply for a short-term rental permit.

This is now used as a airbnb/mid-term rental.