i applied for a great card offer last year, got rejected, and was actually able to connect to a nice person who helped me to (accurately) revised my application and get approved.

So, the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) principle applies.

In some cases, exemptions or adjustments might apply for buyouts between co-owners, so it’s best to check directly with a local real estate attorney or tax advisor to confirm the exact tax amount and any applicable exemptions.

Now onto the real estate...If you truly want to protect yourself against STR regulations only purchase property with the intent of  operating as an STR where these three principles apply: (1) the use is allowed, (2) the use requirements are protected by in place permitting and licensing and (3) the permissions are transferable through a sale.

I applied this strategy a couple years ago so happy to provide guidance of who I worked with and what seems to work/not. 

The standard to apply is quite simple: Did you accurately disclose the character of the down payment funds to the lender in the loan application?

I don't see anything on the website or with a web search on how to go about applying for the mastermind.

I apply their security deposit first ($1,500) and then charge them for the remaining $2,500 owed.

They typically apply to 1-2-4 unit properties and need at least one year of occupancy.

I consider myself an expert in one specific market - the one I invest in - reasonably knowledgeable in a few others, mostly ones that neighbor my market and/or I lived there and have some pertinent information to share that's generally right - and beyond that it's just applying general platitudes to every other market which may or may not be relevant.