If you're new go the conventional route.

You can also take advantage of lower down payment loan products rather than going 20-25% down on a conventional investment loan. 

As far as refinancing, you can either do a conventional loan where they use your debt to income / DTI to qualify or you can use a DSCR loan which structures the loan off of the rent versus income ratio.More info on DSCR loans: DSCR loans won't use your income to underwrite the loan. 

And then I’ve heard take a conventional loan and make sure you have a good umbrella policy.

Im open to conventional financing or seller financing.To find properties, you can network with local agents and brokers, join local real estate investment groups, use online platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin, send direct mail campaigns, drive for dollars, network with property managers, and explore seller financing.Good luck!

If I assume a 1.25 ratio, this scenario would allow me recover more capital than a conventional mortgage.Please let me know your thoughts.

Exhaust all of your conventional or government financing options before you get into DSCR. 

My vision includes developing the land into a destination with features like driveways, walking paths, utilities, and unique lodging structures.Here’s my tentative plan1.Place the existing STR in an LLC2.Apply for an SBA small business loan to fund the next steps, including a feasibility study (~$10k+), land clearing, and infrastructure development.While this direction excites me, I’m torn between pursuing this venture and continuing with a more traditional approach—buying one home per year using conventional loans.I’d love to hear your thoughts:•Has anyone transitioned from STRs to glamping or similar ventures?

Conventional.

We purchased with a conventional loan, 10% down payment:Purchase Price: $405,000Closing/Fees/Misc: $12,500Repairs: $85,000ARV: $575,000I was hoping for rates to come down some in the next year and refinance out with a 75-80% LTV.