I spoke with someone from Asset Based Lending about obtaining financing, but was told that the commercial zoning is a problem as they don't do commercial loans unless it is multi-family. 

Same problem as above.

For example I have no problem a company seeking further funding while they are going down a rat hole.  

This will translate to them charging what may seem like a lot of money for a small problem, as the chances of having to deal with a problem for an extended period of time are real from that point on.That being said, if the other landlord is being unreasonable and requires a contractor to do the work, you may not really have a work-around.

A bad tenant is ones worst nightmare, especially on your first rental.SO I see the problem as not vetting the property, and not vetting the tenant.

This is my first year running an STR, and I ran into this problem a few times over the summer.

Quote from @Michael Smythe: Besides MANY self-labeled "gurus" exaggerating their success, many of them just supply readily available info.If you're too busy to find the info and are willing to pay for it, no problem as you accept their time vs money solution.REGARDING S8 GURU ISSUES SPECIFICALLYMost of them don't share all the facts about how Section 8 actually works.They claim you can get HIGHER rent from S8 tenants vs private-paying tenants.Why would the government allow our tax dollars to be spent this way?

Is the problem a lack of lenders or is there a problem with you as a borrower?

Find a manager who excels at containing and eliminating the problem as quickly as possible.Do they provide eviction insurance?

It also can help avoid surprises like a costly plumbing problem, a failing roof or an outdated electrical panel that could cause financially stretched buyers to bolt before closing.”What’s a Pre-Listing Inspection?