Quote from @Jonathan Greene: The last thing you should do is try to turn this into a rental/ Not because that's not a good idea, in theory, but because you don't have the expertise or connections to do the rehab and will overpay and underperform on rent.

Specifically for the rent-to-own model do you know which components go into determining "strength of the deal"?

Second, that their money was invested in highly speculative start up business deals that the sponsors had no background or expertise in.  

I had a intro call with them on Friday and their business model sounds amazing, but maybe too amazing. 

A business model that has always made sense to me is teaching people how to find good deals and have them bring them to me for more critical evaluation and execution where I invest my capital beside yours.

I needed to replace one, and they are very expensive compared to a standard 30” model.

I'm sure this model will be super helpful in other cities as well. 

I would still contact the entities suggested, but if you want STR cash flow, it may be best for you to stick to the STR business model.

This is not an unusual structure for investors with loads of experience and model that is proven to work, but for someone just starting out it makes no sense.Cheers!

There are tons of beginner friendly hard money investors on here that will lend to a first time flipper, although it may be a higher rate, their expertise will be invaluable.