I am currently in the homebuying process, looking to close on the house in the next few months and house hack it.

First, it's a plan-z measure, that if they have to take the asset back, that after all the expenses of such and what-not, there potential losses are mitigated to $0 or as close to $0 as possible.

I work closely with people in my market that are looking to invest in the STR space!

Not sure if you got the help that you needed @Manan ShahWe have a renovations & roofing company: Bulldog RenovationsWould be more than happy to connect and share info!

you're still "investing" in it with the down payment, closing costs, setup... so that's capital that could be used for something else. 

By best, I mean someone who works with out of country investors, knows the area extremely well and is well connected to local people - property managers, plumbers, handyman, etc.I'd love to connect and here how your search goes!

Thanks for connecting @Erwin Groenendijk!

The buyers have been paying on time and have not missed a payment since the purchase closed on 7-26-21.

I would suggest connecting with Kyle and Allie with Cherokee Rose Homes, since they know the GA market and have a couple realtor recommendations.

I could get the other residential rented, so 2/3 units rented, before closing because I know the seller, but the commercial space on ground floor is a question mark and is forcing this to be a commercial loan.