Whichever loan that you decide to use, the interest will be tax deductible due to interest tracing rules.

@Jeremy H Barton - I'm an investor, flipper, and property management owner.  

I've been knocking on doors, there is one that seems like it's abandoned, however despite finding the owners name from tax records I cannot seem to get in contract with them to make an offer (despite trying x, y and z). 

I almost exclusively work with investors and business owners in buying and selling in Baldwin County. 

Then, if you decide to explore a mentoring program, you will have the background knowledge to actually evaluate it and make an informed decision, and you'll be able to speak the language and ask intelligent questions.

So my fear is, I would get someone all geared up to purchase a home and then the owner on the Deed would give me a hard time.

If you are able to manage it yourself, I think you will get a lot of very helpful education in real estate by spending a least a year or two doing that.You'll be able to work with property managers a lot better if you've done the work yourself for a bit, and it also helps to get familiar with the various laws and regulations you have to comply with as the owner, even if you do have a property manager in place (e.g., the new RI rental registry and associated lead paint inspections/certificates).It's up to you whether you're able to do it, but I think you'll get a lot out of the experience if you can try it for a year or two.

In the last 18 months various states have instituted new rules, regulations or laws related to (1) need for licensure to wholesale (2) restrictions on marketing of a property in which you do not have ownership and (3) disclosure requirements when dealing with a homeowner that makes it clear to the homeowner that the contact signed with the wholesaler is not a definitive “sales” contract, therefore making it less likely home owners will sign4.

Would that be, for example, if the PM says, "I manage a duplex for John Smith in Turlock," then I call John as a reference, ask John a few questions, and then ask John the address of his duplex so I can later look it up on the county website and verify if he is the owner?

It was a tough decision, especially since I had no experience managing commercial properties and knew no one in Ohio.Despite the uncertainties, my wife and I decided to make the leap to escape the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area.