Standard down payment for a new primary mortgage typically range between 3%-5%If you need the rental income from the home you are departing you typically will need a fully executed lease and proof of 1st payment and security deposit

If your plan is to operate an STR in CA, it is best to have a plan B in case the STR option is no longer available.Good luck

Usually, mid-term leases are a reasonable option for people in this profession but there are so many other professions/needs that most people probably don't target that worker specifically.  

(but I assume the private lending would put me in the same situation as doing seller finance if I’m typically loaning at or around 10-12% after taxes) would I be correct with this statement? 

In my state, the BUYER typically pays the title company or lawyer for handling the closing NOT the seller. 2.

Other rust belt cities such as Cleveland and Detroit are likely also good options, but I can't speak from experience on them.All that said, why buy a rental property instead of a primary residence?

I do have a couple of other options that are not attractive and would be "last resort" kinds of plays that I really don't want to entertain. 

It could be that the typical rental is circa 1990.

If they have friendly regulations, it typically means the area has something that would attract tourism of some sort, but that may not always be the case.

@Nicholas LIt appears that you are conflating costs and expensesCost is typically a one time event while expenses occur on a daily basis for line items associated with the operation of the property