typically no special license is needed when doing it for hard money loans that I am aware of. there may be states like california and nevada that are tricky where lenders need a license of some sort but for most part brokers i have seen are not licensed. 14 or 15 states require state license and NMLS registration.

Quote from @Brandon Foster: Hello Ryan,STR is do able in the north county area but there are a lot of rules and regulations.The city of Oceanside right now will not allow anything STR unless it’s west of pacific coast hwy.This is changing a lot too so you need to be aware of that in your plans.Carlsbad is super strict too but there are some condos that are still available to do STR in.Medium term rentals are as safer bet but way less profitable.

Are you aware of any lenders that specialize in working with Travel nurses/PTs of the such that we can connect with? 

I've only been made aware of this less than 24hrs ago, but that is one of my concerns.

I'm aware that many of my competitors use PriceLabs and have wondered what the unseen impact is on pricing (viz. is there an artificial increase in our particular market because of it?).

Here they all start with "Are you aware of any XYC.." and none of them are asking about previous repairs or issues.I understand that you are concerned, but honestly, if the water damage was resolved, the soaked parts replaced, why would it matter any longer? 

A BRRRR, for example, is a cute term, but what it really means is that you are buying an absolute disaster of a property without fully knowing all of its problems until you own it.

I am aware that since I’m renting one unit out I need a landlord policy, but can my policy be HO3 or does it have to be DP1? 

.: Thanks @Tanner Pile, I wasn't aware of the BP Tax book.

There are certain areas and strategies for that (and city laws you should be aware of).