Your best bet is to contact the commercial banker at the bank who holds the first position mortgage on the property.

They've already blocked dates off your calendar that you most likely will not fill on short notice.

I am looking for someone that is currently in the short term rental business.

Several family members are not on great terms. 

there are costs at every step - costs to buy, costs to hold and costs to sell. 

Each strategy seems to have its pros and cons, and I’m curious what the community thinks.Do fix and flips provide faster returns, or do the long-term benefits of rental income make holding onto properties more appealing?

You're not sure how long you'd be waiting if you just hold out for the multi and you could let other great opportunities pass because you want to wait for the big one.

However, if I could be under contract maybe they'll grant a short extension.

I live in Miami, FL and don't want to buy here since prices are incredibly high.I want to invest in growing communities, not exactly sure if I want to buy an AirBnb as my first out-of-state investment or 3-6 month short term, or a 1 year+ property.

Get a job that pays you a pile of money and invest that money, live well below your means, think long term, and delay gratification.