We‘ve also been considering the idea of going to short term during the summer season and keeping mid term sept - may.

It is true that certain policies will accumulate significant cash value, but you either have to put in several thousands for a certain amount of years and let it season for a bit (Life Insurance Retirement Plan) or you pay your monthly/annual premium for quite a while and wait until you're in your 60's or 70's+ to have access to a good amount of cash value (Variable Universal Life).

Since I'm approaching the stage where I'm looking around for a builder what are your thoughts on working with a seasoned rehabber that wants to get into GCing new construction?  

Is that income seasonal or long-term stable?

Always good to work with a seasoned rep who is reliable well respected and has aggressively priced products. 

I manage a few properties in coastal NJ and the season is 3-4 months. 

Drive around off the strip, out of season and what will you see? 

@Michael Baum also hit one of the most important things - dynamic photography that changes with the seasons and mixes itself up so it's not a stagnant listing.There is no hack to be the best at something (just look at all of the number one bestsellers on Amazon who sell 100 books total), just work on the product, the amenities, the dynamic pricing, and be resilient and responsive to feedback from the first guest on.

Even once you get the mortgage current, your credit may still show the delinquent payments, so it could take some time before your credit seasons to a better score.

(Short term in the peak season <30day bookings, and mid term for the rest of the year >30bookings).65% occupancy rate is common around the metro for Airbnb.