Specifically I wonder what are some of the best recommended pay per lead companies out there while I wait for my SEO to kick in?

There is a NHREIA meeting in Manchester NH this week if you want more info let me knowJohnna Brown 603-930-9927

There were moments when I had to decide whether to go for higher-end finishes or stick to more cost-effective options.

There are lots of options, potentially. 

Are there any other considerations to know? 

I am told that there is a 26% tax credit with a new solar project along with the ability to depreciate 87% of the cost of the system in the 1st year.

I don't do anything STR nor do we manage it so I can't answer many of your questions, but there are tons of great people on here and resources.

And besides bridge loans, which I'm already looking into, are there any other creative ways to hack this? 

Most people outside the profession don’t understand the time and capital it takes to make a project come to fruition.Before a single piece of equipment touches the ground, there are years of government meetings, environmental and site assessments, engineering studies, etc.Each step requires significant time, effort, and capital investment.But when done right, it creates a ton of value and transforms communities, which is why I love it.

People on BP make vast generalizations about "Chicago" but there's a so many areas, neighborhoods and communities that falls under that name.