You seem like a very intelligent and hardworking person; I'm sure you can come up with a value proposition that is unique to you. 

I assumed that her family member got locked out and broke the front window to get in because she didn’t seem fearful at all about it.

I've done a lot of research on the topic and am familiar with the cons of owning a condo-hotel type unit, but the numbers seem way in favor of that vs a more traditional condo or SFH.

My understanding is you do not need to pass the “real estate professional test” for this.This seems like a big loophole for STR investors.

I have never used 1800Accountant, but I have successfully converted their former customers to my practice.They are incredibly expensive, my clients were never sure about what was going on, and they unnecessarily complicated reporting and transaction in order to (in my opinion) make it seem like the clients were getting value for their money.  

We are looking at AL, TN or FL as potential first time investment properties and so far this company looks the best and the numbers they sent seem great as well, but I would some more insight if anyone has any. 

However, it seems in your case renting by the room will get you a higher rate overall.

Seems like the best of both worlds.

Seller credits, zero interest CCs, borrowed funds from family as options and on surface they may seem stressful but if done responsibly on the right deal will be worth the effort to "figure it out".

It seemed most of your great research was focused on the SU area only, but my biggest interest has been outside of those areas, especially north of the city.