I think the moral to the story is always do your own research & utilize places like your local real estate investor associations where there’s a wealth of knowledge for free, without the costs associated with a program like this. 

As I said, check with local banks and credit unions.

Super nice guy, and a genius.You can also go checkout Divorce Lending Association and find a local CDLP if you'd prefer.

From tax stand point I would think you can separate from primary and be okay with IRS being that IRS will not be local code enforcement.  

Generally local agents have one purpose, to sell.

However, consider STR seasonality, local regulations, and management demands, and ensure your equity loan and new primary residence costs fit comfortably within your budget.

From digging into real time market data and calcualting cash flow.. to literally driving for dollars, you want someone with an incredible network of pros who can unearth leads (probate attorneys, divorce attorneys, local fix and flip circles) that might connect you with a ready buyer or flud tenant.

He gets how much work managing it locally is and I get the benefit of having my DTI not effected.

I found MLS data outside the are and got data from local property managers. 

I’ve spent time assessing areas locally and identified Richmond, Pearland, Conroe, Montgomery and Katy as prospective areas to invest in.