Based on the knowledge and experience you have, would you consider this strategy if you had to go back at my age?

The webpage has them based in Maryland but they aren't listed in the state's business directory.

While I don’t plan on flipping the house, I intend to use the property for short-term rentals (STR), and based on my research, it seems like it will perform well either as an STR or a long-term rental (LTR).Any ideas on how I can source the financing or recommendations for better lenders would be greatly appreciated!

But this is definitely a CPA question because the IRS rules are based on your AGI and phase out if your AGI is over $100k.

If you get 100% of the purchase price covered then you should have sufficient funds for the closing costs based on what you're saying. 

argues that zoning ordinances should prioritize functional families and not exclude safe uses of housing based on household composition.

Run your numbers based on youre required return given what youre likely to have to spend and the amount of headache, risk, and work you have to do.

I would start with them.I am not based in LA, so I don't know your exact laws, but I think I can still provide some initial direction for you to find answers, and maybe offer an idea to research.  

Right now, I'm doing a lot of research and trying to build a good base of knowledge before I dive in.  

If someone you don't know reached out to you to offer you a loan and you do not know them, they are essentially acting as a hard money lender (lending based on the hard asset and not a prior relationship they had with you)."