@Daniel ScullenThe C-Corp generally makes sense if other investors (shareholders) will also invest in the C-corp because it will afford them limited liability. 

Your best bet is to sit down and talk with an agent and discuss your needs and wants.  

Also, saying that you need to get the concrete done anyway and don't have that kind of cash on hand leads me to believe you might want to think about getting some stronger cash reserves or your own lines of financing before proceeding; I've got credit cards with credit limits double that, where I could self-finance those kinds of repairs if necessary, but that's not a big enough hit that I'd have to worry about taking out loans on paid-for houses. 

I certainly can't speak for all banks, but if you insist on going small loan commercial you're likely to find the best bet at the smallest banks you can find. maybe a credit union.

however don't limit yourself...   

So I try to limit any cleaning demands from guests. 

I have very limited real estate experience but I do have some friends/ family that invest in real estate.

The sky's the limit if you apply yourself.

Question 2: what are the limitations if any, regarding the price of the second home purchase?

Landlords are allowed to set their own occupancy limits.