File at earliest possible timeframe and make sure that in the filing, your hardship time restricted mortgage terms and occupancy are also considered,

People were worried about investing in 2005 because the prices were too high, people were worried about investing in 2008 bc the market was crashing, people were worried about investing in 2014 because the market was heating up too much, people are worried about investing now bc of rent moratoriums and covid restrictions, people will worry about investing in 2022 for some other reason, just don't know what that is yet. 

I know they are very limited now due to COVID restrictions but they are still going on whether virtual or in person.

There is a huge backlash in Arizona that restricted local government legislation.

Who thought we would have a pandemic and governors would restrict evictions.  

I'd like to start something as soon as COVID restrictions allow.

I know it’s possible, but seems like it could be complicated and I keep running into roadblocks/restrictions.

Key things to consider will be restrictions in the area you want to buy, financing (make sure you're lender will allow STR income to be counted), and if you will self manage and coordinate cleanings or hire a company to do that. 

Then restrictions are much less than with a bank.

You could probably do it in a more rural setting where there are less restrictions, but most renters don’t want rural