DSCR loans can have ridiculously long PPP. and why DSCR in the first place? 

So not sure how long the issue was there. 

New Jersey gets a bad reputation because there are cities with extremely strict landlord laws, people invest in those areas thinking they are getting a good deal because the numbers "look good" on paper, long story short many of these areas are horrible places to invest with some of the strictest landlord laws in the world. 

I didn’t last there long and I’ve never cold-called since.

Initially, I have been the most interested in either single family long term rentals, or STR's.

Are you open to doing a few fix and flips first to build up your cash - THEN put it towards something long term?

As long as your extended family member has no problem being involved in the mortgage process you will not have issues with the financing. 

My plan so far has been long term rentals, but, recently, the idea of short term rentals crossed my mind.

The only potential hiccup is that you have not owned it long. 

Be sure that the company specializes in your specific type of property.IRS and industry compliance: Be sure that the firm has a long-standing track record of IRS-compliant cost segregation studies.