He'll need to connect with a commercial lender....happy to refer a couple of great Chicago lenders that will do new construction.I actually personally had the exact same situation where I bought a double lot and used the land value of the extra lot to build a new construction property in Bucktown. 

"Buying a house is will fix my finances" - Person that claims renting is throwing money awayWhen you rent you don't have to fix a garage door that started fall apart in 27 degree weather with snow on the ground. 

I consider TV mounts to be personal items, so I do require tenants to remove them when they move out.

I’ve been seeing hosts go in VERY different directions with minimum stays:Some swear by 30 days, others don’t touch anything under 45 or 60.Personally, I’ve experimented with different lengths depending on the season and guest type.

I'm in the Seattle area and can meet in person or do a video call! 

What proof did you get that this person was actually an agent?

This depends on each persons situation - but for us we have it spread in multiple different liquidity paths (markets, CD's etc) with some liquid and some illiquid but we also have a LOC that we do not touch and use as a "in case of emergency break glass" type of situation - and if we have to use it then we will liquidate one of our accounts to pay it down.

Later, I signed up for the premium program with another person, paying $10,000 to Multifamily Mindset for mentorship, expecting to split costs.

Unless you purchased well under market or plan to use the property personally, STRs rarely produce the high returns they once did.Your real win came from buying right and rehabbing well.That 43% pre-tax return created through acquisition and renovations is impressive.

Given your personal situation:Strong W2Existing rentalsReservesProperty already cash-flowingA two-step structure might be your best move:Use local bank or bridge to close fast.Refi into DSCR once the $60K in maintenance is done and rents are raised.This gives you speed now and low monthly payments later.