My wife and I own it together, but i may be able to buy her out and keep it as a short-term rental without spending all my personal capital.I’m looking for advice on financing options, buyout strategies, and any creative solutions others have used in similar situations.

It is very common for the typical bank mortgage person to make this mistake. 

If not for you and you prefer the traditional route, I would explore potential "up and coming" markets such as Acworth, Cartersville, and Douglasville, where the price-to-rent ratio is a little more favorable, and growth is apparent.

I personally would revisit your strategy of buying a negative cash flow property in SoCal, right now.

(I assume you won’t find a 1 hour a day type person.

Required insurance certificates naming you personally as additional insured? 

Have met him personally a couple times and he is just a great guy all around. 

You are correct they handle by PM company liability I have prudential personal liability.OK, yeah, and they (Coterie) doesn't offer commercial umbrella insurance (or personal) so I was concerned you might not be covered correctly.You have a personal liability umbrella through Prudential?  

We are starting to explore options for buying his shares to eliminate him as a risk and a roadblock but still have funds leftover for growth.

Now, if you haven't yet, now is the time for you to go see the situation in person.