With cash value life insurance whatever is left after paying salesperson's commissions is earning a nominal return, you don't have the ability to invest these funds (unless you take a loan from the policy, think of this, you have to borrow your own money and pay interest to the insurance company on the loan!

Are their listings detailed with good quality photos?

The biggest thing on STRs is your guest count, amenities, and top 5 photos.

Usually, lender review the internal photos as well to ensure it can be easily converted back to residential use easily as well.  

The only things you need are the dimensions, photos of the plumbing, and a budget.

Take a photo, then manually enter all the data about your transaction right then.

I flew out there and did drive around the neighborhoods - they look much different in person than in photos and video tours (I do know a few CA investors who buy sight unseen in multiple states but I think their risk tolerance is higher than mine).   

Look at my profile photo.

We won't know the condition of the home but can assess photos or drop what we are doing and go look at the home immediately. 

In order to unlock the account I need to send them a photo of myself holding a sign that shows the current date and Avail on it (what is this a kidnapping where I have to send proof of life?)