I was the general contractor for the 8 unit complex and I manage my own properties, so I would be willing to assist you in all aspects of your OOS investing. 

The most important aspect when looking for a broker is to decide on what your main goal is for being licensed.

The key to this is being as consistent as you possibly can!

I'm experiencing a similar challenge - looking to have an off-market deal appraised and so far, the two residential appraisers I've contacted have declined the job as "too complex" for them.The appraisal is necessary so that the seller and I can have a starting point for negotiation.The deal consists of (2) adjoined parcels: one parcel with a SFR, five car garage, trailer (will be removed prior to sale), and non-operational twenty unit storage building; the second parcel has a non-operational forty unit storage building.

You said that your team consists of you and an agent.

Barry's answer is the best one and he wrote it better than I would.One aspect he said that I want to emphasize more (and I am phrasing this in layman's terms) is YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS DEAL ALONE.

I have been consistently working and earning at least $40,000 annually, however I’m having issues finding a qualified lender.Does anyone have any advice or insight for addressing these challenges?

Of course purchasing also comes with the long-term wealth building aspects of loan pay-down, (hopefully) appreciation, and depreciation can make it a favorable deal if any inexperience in STR leads to numbers lower than expected.

Cash flow is good for now and it's in a growing area where property values have grown exponentially the past few years, but I don't plan on returning to that area and have not had good, consistent property management in place since it's furnished, so it's been a little hard to manage from a distance (though not terrible, still definitely doable).I am trying to decide what is better worth my investment.

If 'off markets' are an important aspect of your search and you feel that you can get leverage that way you need to connect yourself with an agent who can do both.