Primarily focused on long term rentals in the twin cities area and eyeing a potential for mid term rentals and corporate housing in the future. 

I look at market conditions and depending on trends (I can't predict the future :-) I simply calculate.

I'd like to do something that would give my kids a chance to really thrive in the future.

Many small investors are finding it harder to qualify for traditional loans.
Private money seems to be filling that gap, offering faster and more flexible funding.
Do you think this trend will continue — or will ban...

IMO depends on your investor DNA--most likely going to get more bang for your buck on a hands on strategy...but remember sanity is a currency too--if you're looking for some passive strategies, happy to share what I've learned--if I could start from square one again I'd implement the Rockefeller method x specific Turnkey--check out Ryan Lee & Garret Gunderson 

We will consider filing for a variance in the future to better protect the asset from zoning concerns. 

That alone makes the advice feel real and actually usable.I also appreciated how he ties current and future trends into investing.

And at some point in near future — those people will pivot.

I'm seeking guidance on what my next steps should be—whether that's turning it into a long-term rental, exploring house hacking when I return, or using it to build equity for future investments.

Quote from @Ren Hopson: I'm under contract with a couple properties and the guys I was planning to assign the job to doesn't have a license does that effect the future value of the home?