Primarily for personal use for the family as well as an investment (but the numbers need to work), I am just starting out searching for a property so I am open to all suggestions and comments.

The question is mostly a personal financial planning question and it depends on your preference and what balance of risk and access you'd like and would be comfortable with.

As long as no “healthcare” services are provided (like medication or personal care), it’s not regulated by the Department of Health.

I've sold over 80 homes personally in the last 30 months and I'm usually within $5k of the appraisal report when I run my CMA for clients.

Do you think using lexisnexis would work for skiptracing to find a person's phone number?

Personally, I'd start looking in markets you're familiar with, similar to what you said in your post.

I 100% agree with the intent aspect and that is an important premise, but the fact is in this particular situation intent for it to be personal use has been confirmed (by way of a public post).

Affordability for the average person is essential, in my opinion. 

Definitely a personal preference.

The other PM can be a fix-mindset type of person where they are not willing to share anything unless you have a property and are willing to sign a PM agreement in the same conversation.