How can they even enforce that?

Unless you find a great deal you'll have very little, zero, or even negative equity from day 1.

I've even seen lenders utilize college as two years of work history instead of taxes filed so you never know until you apply and put the cards on the table.

Even though you are only living here for a year you are going to want to paint it again before you rent it out.

Both properties fall into Class B- category and has no HOA and no rental restrictions.Here are the details for each property:Property 1:3 Bed, 2 Bath (1020 sq ft)Purchase Price: $250,000Moderate rehab needed (Kitchen, floor, bathroom sink vanity, light & fan fixtures, interior paint)Rehab Cost: $30,000After Repair Value (ARV): $295,000Down Payment: 20% (Out of Pocket: $50,000 + $30,000 (rehab) = $80,000)Projected Rental Income Post-renovation: $2100/monthProperty 2:2 Bed, 2.5 Bath (1168 sq ft)Purchase Price: $230,000Moderate rehab needed (Kitchen, floor, bathroom sink vanity, light & fan fixtures, interior paint)Rehab Cost: $30,000After Repair Value (ARV): $295,000Down Payment: 20% (Out of Pocket: $46,000 + $30,000 (rehab) = $76,000)Projected Rental Income Post-renovation: $1900/monthThe location is moderate, with amenities like shops, restaurants, a mall, and a baseball stadium within a 5-mile radius.Considering buying both as they are in the same building, the total cost and income overview would be:Total Price for Both Properties: $478,000Down Payment & Closing: $96,000 + $10,000 = $106,000Total Renovations: $60,000Total Price (Including Renovations): $478,000 + $60,000 = $538,000Total Out of Pocket: $166,000Projected Gross Rent Monthly: $4000The rate of interest for the mortgage is 7.5%.I am currently evaluating: A) The break-even point for two townhomes considering a cash investment of close to 32%.

Since it is a roommate situation that might make it even easier.

It takes time to build up the reputation, even in a popular area like Sedona.Sedona does have a ton of STRs but it sees in the neighborhood of 5m visitors a year so I wouldn't worry too much.Getting on VRBO is a must IMHO.

I just want to make sure she has equal ownership, even if not on the mortgage. 

You could aim to purchase near those areas that are already or set to boom even more with large commercial projects going on. 

This locks in your monthly expenses, versus  HELOC that is variable, and matches well to the long term hold of the rental.I use HELOCs for shorter term capital needs, i.e. flips, or even possibly the acquisition and renovation of a rental, but always with the belief that I will have it paid off in under a year, typically 6 months.