Regarding the CapEx, I don't think your figure is too high given our traditional housing stock. 

I partnered with my brother and used traditional financing, so it helped being able to split the down payment.

I’m relatively new to the idea of investing in real estate because I’m going to be the first in my family to choose this path over the traditional factory 9-5 job.

You want to do something to get started.But, here's the thing, STRs are a mash up between traditional rentals and the hospitality industry.

there's other techonologies that allow you to build without traditional stick build methods but not commonly adopted yet.

@Thomas JohnsonSide by side is more traditional.

Traditional financing, but I was able to secure a 15% down payment on an investment.

There really isn't an argument here...not an intelligible one, anyway...Your friend is rich right now and makes more cash flow from his current holdings than you will with 50-financed properties...roll in appreciation and he is set for life...and his family...and their kids...

@Steven Wilson Thank you for sharing the the HML contact with me, ill be sure to check them out.They are really good with long term products, but dont expect it to be any easier then a traditional lender.

The interest rates you would get from hard money would likely be WAY higher than if you financed with a traditional lender.