Do you happen to know if they lend in OR or if they don't, can you recommend another lender who might offer the 10% down second home loan product? 

anyone have a lender that is STR/second home savvy? 

Should I be a private lender since rates are so high?

This means looking through public records for probate cases and divorce cases.

I did a pretty conclusive poll of about 14 lenders of all sorts and each and every one wouldn't allow larger loans for operating STRs.

Many states now require new funds and do not do pass through.. its the reason we all are in business us bridge lenders.. also I know in Oregon the title companies demand a full profit disclosure to the seller.. they don't want to be sued for participating in a secret or unconscionable profit act.

Does anyone has experience working with "The Lender" to finance a short term rental property?

There is more that goes into it but you are essentially a middle man.For fix and flips you don't need a credit if you make relationships with asset based hard money lenders.

Gross income is easier to establish and this mirrors how lenders qualify buyers for mortgages.

I would work with an STR lender before construction to verify that a deal will be eligible for refinancing.