Unfortunately, I'll likely have to put 25% down because I can't pick my family up and move, so I know that limits me to an investment loan and way more upfront capital than I'd prefer. 

Would anyone be able to shed some light on their preferred method?  

I would start there as well as checking with other investors in your area to see which ones they prefer to use.

Credit is great and I would prefer OPM.

They will likely have lenders they prefer to work with. 

Preferably, find a CPA and Lawyer who are real estate investors themselves and work as a team to come up with the best solution for your business(s).

Nothing wrong with condos, but I prefer a SFH.    

There's a LOT of traffic goes through the Charleston area and most people would prefer an Air BnB type of rental over a hotel. 

In between the potential for special assessments, restrictive deeds, nosey HOA boards, and more complicated insurance scenarios...I'd prefer to pay more for a free standing property where none of those things are an issue.

I would prefer to make up the down payment of friends and family and debt for the rest.