If you could bring your own work in to an appraisal office, you would be an asset to them, more than a liability.* Along the previous line - research specific lenders and find those that do "direct engagement."

Occasionally being able to help out a friend maybe but not to really be an agent per se

Repeat the above procedure and get a Roofing cert, chimney cert, HVAC, plumbing, electrical cert or statement of recent service and opionion of condition, etc for any other prefessional trade that might be an issue.

I asked the servicer if I would be able to assume another in the future and I was told this would not be an issue as long as I qualified financially!

We're based in Orlando, manage long-term rentals 1-80 units, and own/manage 48 units ourselves, so we know what it's like to be an owner and a manager. 

Buy it right and be an excellent host.

You want to be an asset to a meetup or a group.

#5 what would be an undue financial burden? 

That must be an incredibly stressful situation to deal with as a landlord.

If you are looking to be an investor or you don't necessarily need a real estate license.