You can get away with less if some of it is non-refundable right away or becomes non-refundable after inspection. 

And what does your lease say about storing personal property in public spaces?

Eddie - I would recommend getting in touch with multiple lenders and seeing what makes the most sense for you and your situation.

It is similar to Florida.Maybe consider whether a non-PM real estate company may want to have you work on starting a PM division OR just hang your license, learn the PM business through narpm.org and then get ready in 2 years. 

Hi - typically Mixed Use properties are going to require a traditional commercial real estate loan from a bank, small balance commercial private lender or for the larger ones a CMBS style loan.However, a newer "DSCR Loan" product for Mixed Use is making a comeback - which is a really great option for smaller properties/more beginner investors since it has all the same trappings as a residential DSCR Loan (30-year fixed, easy qualification, straightforward process) for a property with commercial units.Generally going to be limited to 8 units max and has to be primarily residential in every way (majority residential by units, square footage and rents) but if it fits all that, its a great option

Do different lenders have different requirements to qualify? 

Need lender financing.  

DSCR Loans are typically great for STR purchases - however, DSCR Lenders are going to require at least some "skin in the game" - so won't be able to have a 2nd lien for the down payment. 

Talk with a few lenders about using the equity in his current house. 

I stands for inimitable and N stands for non-substitutable.