When that life emergency happens and a tenant can’t work, even for a short time, section 8 kicks in more rent so you still get paid. 

This is done often in short sales when the irs receives nothing.

One particular strategy that interests me a great deal is short-term corporate rentals.

However, if you are looking at short term flips, the chances of you getting screwed on stock market skyrocketing during that short period is slim so it may workout. 

The complex used to be a low end motel until it was converted into a kind of short term apartment complex.

If it's worth less than 115k your only option is to buy it through a short sale. 

I would call, be extremely brief, explain you'll be following up with an email shortly, say goodbye, and then press send.

Ron S,  I am RE broker, with experience in short sales, familiar with Los Angeles rent control, reap, code violations, I am a Licensed General Contractor,  I can bring an offer to any asset manager, but I have no experience with REO, If i get a listing today, i would not know what is the process.

Short term financing for flip or permanent financing for rental?

Your gated community most likely has regulations regarding short term rentals.