Consult a tax professional to optimize deductions and explore strategies like Real Estate Professional Status or short-term rental loopholes to apply depreciation to non-passive income.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

For those who’ve used it, what strategies or sources have worked best for you when covering the difference between your loan and the total project cost?

However, here are a few strategies to explore:Local Real Estate Investor Networks – Join local REI groups, meetups, or Facebook groups where private lenders may be open to funding primary residences under the right terms.Seller Financing – If the seller is open to it, you could negotiate a seller-financed deal where they act as the lender.Community Banks & Credit Unions – Smaller local banks may offer portfolio loans with flexible terms.Wealthy Individuals / Family Offices – High-net-worth individuals sometimes fund private deals, especially if they see strong equity and repayment potential.IRA or Self-Directed Retirement Accounts – Some investors lend money from their self-directed IRAs for real estate transactions.Since you’re willing to pay higher interest for a short-term solution, a contract for deed (land contract) might also be an option, where the seller keeps the title until you pay it off or refinance.Would you like me to connect you with any potential private lenders?

Are there any particular markets or investment strategies you’re leaning toward?

Networking at local meetups and connecting with agents who work with investors sounds like a great strategy.

Look at their marketing strategy.

STR feels more like a strategy to break even or eek out a meager return on a great asset than a strategy to cashflow.

What's the best calendar strategy for doing a mix of MTR with STR? 

. - As @Jonathan Klemm mentioned, passing on this load so that you can be more present and attentive to your family and not be essentially working  24/7, on-call for the needs of tenants and property emergencies... can be worth the management fees. 

Anything single family will require very creative strategies in order to generate cashflow.