Depending on your address you may fall into the city's jurisdiction which only allows short term rentals for 90days or less in a calendar year, or the unincorporated part of the county which does not have the restriction.

Otherwise you will be restricted to DCSR or hard money loans and have to bring 20-25% down. 

Are there any restrictions, etc.Looking for some general feedback on the area!

If it's the case that the lender origination/broker fee increased last minute I would not be thrilled.Regarding LTV, are there any seasoning restrictions in play?

You can close on a property and immediately sell it to a 3rd party unless there's a Fannie Mae Resale Restriction on the property.

Has anyone been able to get around the subletting restrictions?

Of course, with all things, the answers to all these matters will depend on the circumstances.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.

I forget which (Champaign or Urbana), but one is very restrictive on STRs...just make sure you are aware of zoning and restrictions. 

There are no public testimonials because I have limitations and restrictions on that sort of thing.

I have a visa and although there are advantages to having my visa for lending and travel, it also allows me the ability to live in the US without restrictions that a Canadian would have without one.