It was as simple as 2-3 clicks.

(maybe I should run) Owner has offered to finance the entire amount of 745k with 6.5% rate and 15 year term. 

The short term rental loophole is for rentals where the average stay period is 7 days or less.

I’ve heard of people getting rehab loans where you put down %20 of the acquisition price and %20 for the rehab and you get much better terms than an HML.

It could be as simple as I want to learn about MF and gain that experience and break even.

I knew I wouldn't quite be 'done' in 90 days (especially since my term ended during the holidays) and the Mastery program does provide additional resources so the value is there and I expect to continue for at least 2-3 more months. 

I really need a short term property manager in Bozeman!

The easiest way is to take the rolling average of the utilities for the last 12 months, and then include it in future rents for your roommate tenants, that will keep it simple and fair. 

Has anyone seen any articles on this in terms of whether this is the beginning of a real estate market downturn or just a normal downturn due to it being a little more of the off season?

Some people want cash-flow from day 1, some people want to invest long term, some medium term... all different strategies that would require a custom tailored approach.