I love to talk shop about rentals, hard money loans, notes, deals and sweat equity (preferably very little sweat but more effective planning.)

However, I did it the old-fashioned way: increased earnings, reduced expenses, saved, and invested.

I would shop other lenders?

I think The Short Term Shop has a video series specifically on STR Legislation in Branson on Youtube as well.

Research crime rates and choose areas with a good reputation.Amenities: Look for areas with access to amenities such as grocery stores, coffee shops, gyms, and entertainment options.

I end up shopping around.

Are there consignment shops?  

My parents bought in Rosarito when it was just a dirt road with little shops and stops.

This will allow you to shop for properties more easily, and will also make it easier to run different scenarios for different properties that you view.The best way to prepare is to have your income for the last two years and YTD available, know how much you have available to spend, and write down any questions you want to ask.  

I am pretty sure just about every Loan Officer is getting shopped like crazy now.