Any one have any previous experience with this?

It is the equivalent of crashing your car then trying to buy insurance to fix the car after the fact.A home warranty or homeowners insurance policy will not pay for mold because mold is a maintenance issue.You didn't say what is wrong with the garage - if it's a broken door opener that is typically covered on a home warranty.My experience is mixed with home warranties and I can 100% tell you your satisfaction comes down to the local trade person that shows up.The home warranty company does not employ trades - they contract them locally at a fixed rate for the work performed sort of like how car mechanics are paid. 

Depending on the property type and terms this can be justifiable but usually reserved for those with ample experience and higher risk tolerance. - Higher and Hard Deposits.

In my experience as a landlord attorney and helping property management companies across Florida, the fees range from 8% - 15% (taking into account fees and commissions). 

That seems like my best option as of now, but it seems hard to ask them for funding before I even have a deal or any experience.  

I don't know your level of STR experience, but having some would be a big help.

I'm wondering if anybody has experience with sectioning off half of the closet and locking it?

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To which I turn to the most trusted community in RE.Myself and two of my business partners are looking to start our journey in Real Estate development and am looking for some advice, we have experience in owning and managing rentals so none of that is new to us...just building the thing is.We are looking to start developing duplex homes across the Chicagoland Suburbs but cannot find the right person to talk to that can give us a clear idea of where to start.

Sorry to hear about your experience.