So, owners mistakenly think price is the only differentiator – and look for a PMC like they’d shop for groceries☹We encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others by reading posts here on BiggerPockets from owners that picked a PMC solely by price and regretted it.We recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Even if someone gives you a referral, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that just because a PMC met their expectations, they’ll meet your expectations.

For an investment‑property HELOC, shop local banks and credit unions; ask about interest‑only periods, draw‑as‑needed, prepayment fees, max LTV, and seasoning rules for the refi.

What I’ve seen investors do is shop a few direct lenders, not just brokers, because some have softer versions of those clauses or are willing to modify certain sections if the deal is strong.

So you may need to shop multiple companies.

You should price shop

Can you blame tenants for shopping around so ferociously, in futile attempt's to find some years gone by rent? 

Sometimes spending a bit more for confidence in closing is better than shopping to the last percent. 

I have been exploring them and other groups like The Short Term Shop to get started in STR investing. 

If you weren't living there you could get a dwelling policy that only covers the building (since the contents wouldn't be yours.).I would go with an independent insurance agent, because they can shop a number of insurance companies for your best rate, whereas if you just went with a "State Farm" or "Geico" type company you will just get their one rate.

Youre going to have to do a lot of lender shopping on this.