My target wasn’t the people working industrial jobs or traveling nurses; it was executive and professional level people going to be in Phoenix area short term who were willing to pay for high end accommodations.

@Randy Johnston  yes there is a carve out for 3 a year.. and you may not hold yourself out as a lender in any fashion IE go to meetups and announce your a lender or advertise on craiglist or any other manner.this carve out for 3 a year is basically to accommodate those that lend in their IRA's. 

Google comprehensive marketing analysis and find current pdf.

There are so many so be sure to filter by your location. 4) Review this comprehensive 64 page deck on the state of the 2023 housing market (in your resource page as a member of BiggerPockets!)

Are there specific lenders or loan programs that are more accommodating to self-employed individuals with variable income, even with a credit score above 700, for new construction endeavors?

They were both accessible, responsive, and accommodating. 

You can do that here.3) Review this comprehensive 64 page deck on the state of the 2023 housing market (in your resource page as a member of BiggerPockets!)

You will find homes with an ADU or "back house" that people have built over time to accommodate large & extended families.

With comprehensive spreadsheeting, it’s still cash flow positive by $40k-60k each year, even after all of the expensive fees, HOA, etc. 

For an STR on Maui you'd be looking at condos in buildings approved for transient accommodations.