I suspect that you'll have better luck with a local bank or private money, though it likely will still be challenging. 

That is the biggest challenge I have with my clients.

My challenge is that I don't know when exactly I will be able to obtain the STR permit from the city, so I don't want to convert guests too prematurely. 

In real estate, blunt honesty often protects people from common pitfalls or predatory advice that oversimplifies the challenges of investing.

Managing vacation rentals remotely sounds like a unique challenge..

good luck with it in those markets like Akron were existing inventory can be bought for less than replacement cost it does create some challenges so I think one really needs to pick locations carefully and probably by school district as well.

The biggest challenge seems to be finding lenders that offer these loan products which is where I’m looking for help from the community with recommended lenders that serve Texas.The Fannie Mae (or Freddie Mac) options are preferred over FHA purely because of the (perhaps perceived) limit on renovation funds that the FHA option provides.

Challenges?

House HackAttend as many REI meetups as you can to grow your network of investors for referrals, help through challenges you may incur but don't have experience with, and learn from proven guest speakersNetworking app like blinq to compile all of your contacts for REI in one area with phone and emailbegin conversations with local credit unions exploring what type of loan products they offer

The challenge for me will be to attempt to mirror this type of financing approach to Southern Calif. real estate.