I include a photo of my family and explain my desire to own in this area I have fond memories of. 

I am currently using Avail which I found to be a very intuitive light weight platform to get started.  

This thorough process ensures higher chances of getting the desired price and timing.

Meaning is the area more desirable to buyers than to renters.

Are there any strategies for making this more desirable for the current lender? 

Think, I have FULL WEIGHT of liability on my shoulders for ANYTHING my agent's do.

If you’re buying in a desirable neighborhood and have the capital to do fantastic design and furnishing, you will still do very well.

Find a GP doing deals in your desired market and partner with them.

That's the kind of talk you'll hear from every get-rich-quick guru on the planet, kind of like "7-Minute Abs" or Hydroxycut weight-loss pills.Just look at what he promises: you don't need to use your own money, you don't need to inspect the properties, you'll spend very little time on the deal, you aren't personally liable for the loans and debt, you'll work less and earn more...This can all be true if you know what you are doing.

I wanted to start by house hacking but (1) I am not allowed due to strict HOA rules and (2) my city isn't as desired as the next city over.