If I'm going to meet investors in person, it would need to be at a real estate meet up in a group setting or after lots of calls/Zooms.

If you can't keep control of your personal finances, you are highly unlikely to succeed in real estate investing.

@Jerrell Sweeting   I know in NJ this was the difference between eviction(tenant) and ejection (just a " guest, no money agreement) of a person.   

Do I have to get lines of credit or equity loans from the same bank or can I have a mortgage with one bank and a HELOC with another bank for the same property? 

That sounds like a well-considered plan, and visiting in person is a great first step.

I personally don't like STR's because they are more of a business than an investment(in my opinion).You didn't mention the amount of hours that you and your spouse work but I would have to assume it be between 1900 to 2200 hours assuming you work 48 weeks and between 40 to 50 hours a week.If you buy a STR and self-manage it, you are added 200-300 hours per year in additional work making your life more stressful and less time to do things that you enjoy.Best of luck. 

Then you use those on your personal taxes.

Don't take it personally. 

They are written off your personal residence.

I would personally encourage you to use debt if you are looking to wait 3 years to get started though.