It’s very seasonal here and the only months I’m actually paying the mortgage in full is during high season in summer.

If you want to optimize you could identify the busy season and make that STR friendly and then the rest of the year block it for longer stays.

Hi,   In Muskegon more specifically, to note for seasonality of this. 

The good news in Sandbridge is that the off-season is the best time to acquire a property out there and will give you a chance to get the property right before the next season starts. 

Hybrid Rental StrategyRent as an STR during peak seasons, then switch to mid-term rentals during slower months to increase income and reduce vacancy risks.2.

Great way to quickly get a lot of the insight on Zoning, neighborhoods, seasonality, pricing, etc. 

If I do go the FHA route and live in the property, would I be able to cash out refinance the property after the “seasoning” period and pull out my equity after the rehab and tenants are in place?

Would this be a deterrent for the seasoned investors?

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

For example if you are planning a house hack using a conventional conforming loan then your down payment will need to be "seasoned" and sitting in an account for some months.The origins need to be traceable for 2 reasons.