I started to see the same old story that tend to happen with real estate coaching programs over priced, high pressure sales, preying on the fact that people want to create a better life ETC....

I also recommend keeping pressure on the owner.

Do not feel pressured like this is your one and only chance to ahve this dream.

They’re not pressuring me to pay back until the Nashville condo is sold. 

If the vendor over-prices for market price acceptance they won't sell, and will be pressured by the market to reduce pricing or increase offering. 

Because they will get defensive if they feel you are pressuring them.

Since your plan includes renting a home yourselves for a year, using a HELOC gives you time to learn the STR business with less pressure, especially if you’re buying in a market with good cash-flow potential.

Inventory is super low here, which is keeping upward pressure on prices.

Yeah, that's a lot of pressure to radically shift things. 

So, you would hope they will pressure the tenant to pay rent on time and take care of the property.You do want to differentiate being "Occupant" and "Guarantor" on your lease and have all parties sign accordingly.