Due to the high costs in San Diego and current interest rates, I would most likely only be able to put up to 10% down.

There's a lot of sharks out there that charge way more than what it should cost.Another strategy would be to go to areas that have much lower home cost, and good rental rates. 

It's great to hear that Jeff Chisum and his team at Northpointe Bank were helpful in securing this for you.Adding Value: Your strategic patience and communication with the selling party to secure a deal at the right price is an excellent lesson in the importance of relationship-building and negotiation in real estate.Short-Term Rental Success: Achieving high ratings from guests is critical in the STR business.

There are some benefits for financing under an LLC (super fast refis, less paperwork, lots of loans), but also benefits for personal (30 yr fixed, low rates).  

I usually look through several places but one of the most consistent tools I've used to do a quick check on potential rental rates is Rentometer.

What about a In-Person Note School or Training Course?

To be honest as an investor who owns dozens of units in several different markets I would tell you it's challenging to find great cashflow anywhere right now because we have both high prices and high rates.

With four operational STRs running out of it, the estimated cap rate will be 15-17%.

And I just mark up the interest rate. 

That said, you can collate other useful info like co-signors and their references to their program in school etc.