I haven't explored too many areas further south of Orlando yet like Kissimmee, Lake Nona, and other areas around there to really say.

Or explore a 40B lottery condo purchase and look into house-hacking.

I’m exploring the idea of turning it into a furnished long-term rental to hold onto it, generate income, and possibly return to STR when things settle down.However, I’m new to the furnished LTR space and would love advice!

Sounds good but what’s their reputation as well?   

It's best to reach out to multiple lenders to explore your options.

Good luck I have used Ashland as well.. they are a reputable company. 

You'll want to explore this with your accountant and see what side of the fence they are.What is more a concern to me is your plan to let the property sit for a couple of years and then move in. 

@Rafael Valdor some advice when screening PMCs-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

His reputation and credibility are stellar and he is beyond reproach. 

Something has to get better in that market as the regulations are too confining and essentially up to interpretation by the city explore you engage with.