Happy to connect you with some lenders i work with who have STR properties as well as a management team I know that specializes in the STR space.

Definitely a question for a lender however this seems like a good option given your capital situation. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

@Noel Dixon The most overlooked thing I see when people talk about assumable mortgages is that, if you can get approved by the lender holding the mortgage, you will need to bring the difference between the loan and purchase price in cash.

These properties are very low value for most lenders.

I would recommend building up your cash up first as most hard money lenders will only allow 70-75% LTV for a first timer.

Developers are eyeing dormant projects, while banks and other lenders are preparing to replenish their loan portfolios.

Bad reputation with some agents- We've had a number of agents recommend to their clients to reject a NACA offer.

The New Orleans agent was able to connect us with a local lender.

Probably rare in a rural setting in.. an urban setting you can almost count on it.the othere issues will be title insurance when it comes to a lender policy.