Most investors focus on what can they buy now with their available capital instead of simply what is the best investment for their capital without limitations. 

That will leave you with limited funds to actually purchase the house.

You are wise to limit your scope to a particular type of company.I have been in the industry for the past two decades, and from my years in the business, I can recommend a couple of other companies outside of my family. 

If there are two borrowers, then of course if a POA is used it would be limited to one borrower...If both borrowers were available and/or decided to attend they would both sign the loan and therefore no POA.2.

Or is it limited to 1 property per individual/LLC per year? 

Keep your chin up and try to limit contact with your lawyer to dealing with actual issues with opposing counsel.

However, I'm not sure how to do that with limited funds saved up. 

We just discovered a crack in the concrete slab foundation that is a borderline major problem:- It is a vertical crack about 1/8 inch wide that is at least 9ft long, which is causing a 3/4 inch drop in the flooring and some evidence of old (luckily) limited moisture and termite intrusion. - BUT, it also appears old and probably a symptom of the original house settling.

The only way that works is if they have fully connected utilities and it is sitting on some kind of foundation and not on a trailer.Some folks think they are cool, but you really limit yourself on demographics.

Is there a housing shortage or is there really a problem with the BARRIERS caused by productivity, land use, zoning and mandates that limits construction?