A good option might be a hard money loan for the front end at high leverage (15, 10, or at most 20% down) and then adding value and pulling out equity via a DSCR cash-out refinances qualified with AirDNA projections. 

Your ONLY cost in a rental is the cash you come up with. 

Does it cash flow positively or is it all "upside?"

Purchase price: $174,000 Cash invested: $21,000 On-market 100 year old home, purchased from the MLS.

Purchase price: $213,000 Cash invested: $13,000 This is a Townhouse located right outside of Forman university.

Essentially working in real estate as my main job, that works specifically on the investing side of things.

It is beautiful out there but are people able to cash flow their existing STR. 

You don't make enough to pay lawyers, fines or anything else from your cash flow. 

As a result many cash offers are often below (sometimes just below asking) price.

I do understand the draw having a tenant do this service and save some money, but sometimes paying the extra cash if worth more in the long run.Good luck,Noah