They are "okay" for generalized information, but if you are putting money on a property, in my opinion you want better analysis than those provide. 

Contacted the Housing Authority to confirm if I were to receive or deny money being that the security deposit was covered.7. agreed upon moving forward, May 14 an emergency happens & couldn't meet for the keyThe housing authority are very hard to contact for answers and the case worker for this case is on vacation this week.

There are many people that make money in real estate in CA.  

The summer would make the most money and I would have missed this summer’s income since I haven’t purchased the STR yet. 

I am not sure I fully appreciated the scale of risk as I was not aware there are daily fines associated with class B violations.Following closing, I reached out to an expeditor I was recommended and the guy basically took my initial money and did nothing and then stopped responding to calls/ emails - finding nobody will work in NYC without money up front is hard.

Any thoughts on more creative financing other than taking money out of my personal house?

Even if you do, those that lend using a note as collateral will charge you hard money rates.

Given that you'll be moving states and living in it as your primary for a couple years, I would finance as much as possible using a purchase money first mortgage.

Your best bet is the highest money down conventional you can do.

Not sure if this will be worth the time and money it will take to get this certification and insurance policy along with whatever else comes along with it.