This seems needy to me.I wouldn't want someone calling me to rent their vacation rental.Just provide a great product, have great reviews, pictures, amenities and description so that you stand out from your competition.

.- MLS photos or at least a very thorough description of the property on the MLS should be available.

Based on the photos and description, I made a leap of faith.

This post is being used to educate all those who read it , from the original pictures and the description how the work was done , It was done incorrectly with expensive consequences down the road .  

Geographically speaking, lenders obtain their licenses by state.

I think it gives you a lot as you mentioned including instant expertise, geographic, niche and sponsor diversification.  

If the unit owners in your HOA are only responsible for insuring the contents they bring into their unit, then this lender's request makes even less since to me because you're not responsible for insuring these larger systems per your description above. 

Others are limiting the number of STRs in a geographic area.

However in this geographical area, appreciation is definitely in play, and it's experience that will pay off down the road.  

Are they geographically limited?