This is the real way to do this. 

It’s awesome that you’ve already put in the time to listen to 100 episodes—sounds like you’re serious about getting started!

I have since passed my Real Estate License Exam and plan to be more active in the forums.

I'm working with a real estate attorney to help me with transferring the deed.

But I would remain open to long-term rental as an option as this seems like a more stable option in terms of income, again this may be my inexperience talking.However, I have always  been somewhat risk averse and investing in real estate is always a big venture, in my opinion/experience, in terms of capital.

Some mortgage providers that I've found include Milo, BlockFi and Alchemix.fi.

I wish you well in your real estate endeavors. 

Are they just rubber-stamping or do they have real criteria?

I have a full time W2 that I'm passionate about, so I feel this process will allow me to time to make sound decisions as opposed to quick fix n flips.

@Troy F. speaking from experience as a licensed real estate broker in Iowa and in the Cedar Rapids MLS, the Cedar Rapids purchase agreement specifically calls out a clause if the property is a rental property (Y or N).