Real estate loans to owner occupied properties where the business of the owner is closed down - or SHOULD be, and the owner needs some time to sell the property.  

I'm assuming that this situation wouldn't pass inspection, but one could argue that all the spaces the guests have access to (i.e. bedroom, bathroom) are safe and habitable + the guests wouldn't be exposed to the kitchen.Also, do the city inspectors inspect other parts of the home the guests won't access (i.e. inspectors check the basement for water infiltration even though no guests would ever be living or even going down there). 

I have a terrible fear of cold calling that I need to get over, and get really down on myself when I get a few ********, or hang ups haha.  

Creative finance all comes down to the creator!

Both of these questions will be answered more clearly by nailing down and defining your goals and what youre trying to accomplish.Personally, I will not be leaving Charleston unless this area drastically changes for the worse.

The vacation homes offered a low 10% down so that was helpful.

I would guess less than 1% of deals are seller financed - and most of those are still done with 20% down.

@Matt Schreiber I broker STR deals up and down the coast here in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle. 

I don't think anything is 100% sure, and all the documents all the syndicators have you sign will melt your face off.

For example, if you need $7,000/month to replace your current income, and each property costs $250,000 and generates $300/month in cash flow, the amount of cash you'll need just for 25% down payments is $7,000/$300 × $250,000 × 25% ≈ $1,458,333.