The new changes from the National Association of Realtors focus on transparency and consumer choice.

It isn't practical to find "affordable" GCs, at least we've not been able to in our rust belt market, where home prices are way below national average.

Currently, I'm looking into the company REI Nation.

Large national lenders are not likely to do this. 

Lenders who work with investors who are foreign nationals usually require a significantly higher down payment. 40 - 50%, unless you can find a partner who is US based. 

Are there particular lenders in Birmingham or national lenders that are friendly to this type of situation?

I am a Army Veteran with a 1 year deployment and currently still serving in the Army National Guard (8 years of service) and as a full time real estate agent.

Interesting article about how the STR market may be doing nation wide.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/airbnb-may-have-just-told-the-worst-that-many-have-been-fearing-about-the-us/articleshow/112363488.cms

I'm not disparaging white people (I am white) I'm disparaging white nationalism.

It’s supposedly the standard form the national association of realtors put out so everyone will use it.