People like to rent from a person not a 'brand', it's more personal.

I'm seeing a lot of people lately trying to force themselves into house hacks without an immediate cash flow/equity play and "banking" on appreciation or rates dropping. 

For in person connections try some local real estate meetup groups.

Get the bank financed property first, while you have the DTI.

I have a few banks and family offices I've worked with for years that will definately do the deals with me. 

It would just need to be a situation where they have great contact with the person doing that managing of the project (I.e. have known the person for years, great reputation, person has experience in flipping etc.).

Be that person who set's up some STR's there, runs em there, and really caters it to the US "bucket list" tourist. 

You will quickly find, as you generate local person-to-person relationships, how many opportunities open up! 

Personally I am thinking 1c.

You may want to share you analysis with a few banks and/or property managers as they will typically weigh in on your assumptions if they are potentially interested in working with you.