STRs in their current form are simply big hotels, and legislation has been slow to catch up because in their original form they were more conducive to residence (someone crashing on your couch for $39/night).  

However, the 10% early withdrawal penalty will still apply unless you qualify for an exemption.

@Kris Lai I ended up withdrawing my loan application and went with Alliant Credit Union instead.

I have a rental in a C area that does extremely well and others in A locations that are slow.

Other ways people have higher cash flow is higher down payment (>20%, which isn't a good option) or they were lucky and got lower interest rates.Long term rentals are more of a slow and steady income. 

This simplifying approach slowed things down and in so doing sped up my progress.

One thing I learned is slow and steady wins the race.

I’m in Melbourne FL (1 hour east of Orlando) and the market is slow without much interest. 

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.  

The only alternative would be to withdraw it, which I don't believe makes any sense at this point.